{"argument_date":"2017-02-21T00:00:00Z","arguments":[{"argument_date":"2017-02-21T00:00:00Z","heading":"What happened at the argument","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2016","official_transcript_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","paragraphs":["Mr. Kneedler asked the Court to create a new damages remedy.","Mr. Hilliard described the victim as unarmed and unthreatening.","Mr. Ortega argued the Fourth Amendment does not apply in Mexico."],"reargument":false,"sequence":1,"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 52-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 27, lines 52-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 8-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 39, lines 16-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 39, lines 16-30"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 4-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 40-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 40-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 14-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 14-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-30"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 48-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 48-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 14-32","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 14-32"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 16-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 16-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 18-24","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 18-24"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 36-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 36-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 40-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 40-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 12-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 12-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 4-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 4-6"}]}],"caption":"Hernandez v. Mesa","case_history":[{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:21.758772Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"}],"case_status":"argued","dek":"The dispute centers on whether the Fourth Amendment protects a Mexican national shot by a U.S. agent from inside the United States.","dek_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 52-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 27, lines 52-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 39, lines 16-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 39, lines 16-30"}],"dispositions":[],"latest_court_document_date":"2017-02-21T00:00:00Z","maturity":"official_transcript","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2016","official_disposition_urls":[],"official_docket_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/15-118.html","primary_docket":"15-118","revisions":[{"correction_note":"Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.","created_at":"2026-08-30T18:45:16.346001Z","maturity":"official_transcript","revision_number":1},{"correction_note":"Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.","created_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z","maturity":"official_transcript","revision_number":2}],"schema_version":"1.1","sections":[{"heading":"What this case is about","paragraphs":["Sergio Hernandez, a 15-year-old Mexican national, was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The agent stood inside the United States while Hernandez stood in Mexico. The lower court dismissed the family's claim. The Supreme Court must decide if the Constitution applies to this cross-border incident."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 52-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 27, lines 52-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 39, lines 16-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 39, lines 16-30"}]},{"heading":"How the case got here","paragraphs":["The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on February 21, 2017."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 8-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-18"}]},{"heading":"What each side wants","paragraphs":["The family wants a legal right to sue for damages.","The agent wants the court to deny the family a legal claim."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 52-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 27, lines 52-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 39, lines 16-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 39, lines 16-30"}]},{"heading":"What each side says","paragraphs":["The family argues the Fourth Amendment protects them from excessive force.","The agent argues the Fourth Amendment does not apply to Mexican soil."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 52-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 27, lines 52-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 39, lines 16-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 39, lines 16-30"}]},{"heading":"What the justices asked","paragraphs":["Justice Alito asked if the rule applies to different ages.","Chief Justice Roberts asked if state guards would face different rules."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 4-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 40-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 40-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 14-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 14-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-30"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 48-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 48-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 14-32","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 14-32"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 16-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 16-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 18-24","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 18-24"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 36-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 36-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 40-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 40-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 12-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 12-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 4-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 4-6"}]},{"heading":"Why it matters","paragraphs":["This case defines the geographic reach of constitutional protections. It determines if U.S. agents can use force against foreign nationals without legal consequence. The outcome shapes accountability for cross-border law enforcement actions."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 52-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 27, lines 52-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 39, lines 16-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 39, lines 16-30"}]},{"heading":"What happens next","paragraphs":["This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 8-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 4-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 40-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 40-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 14-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 14-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-30"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 48-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 48-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 14-32","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 14-32"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 16-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 16-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 18-24","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 18-24"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 36-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 36-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 40-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 40-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 12-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 12-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 4-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 4-6"}]}],"slug":"2016-15-118-hernandez-v-mesa","term":"2016","title":"Can a Mexican national sue a U.S. agent for a cross-border shooting?","title_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 52-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 27, lines 52-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 39, lines 16-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-118_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 39, lines 16-30"}],"topics":[],"undated_disposition_date_fallback":null,"updated_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z"}