{"argument_date":"2016-11-02T00:00:00Z","arguments":[{"argument_date":"2016-11-02T00:00:00Z","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/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","paragraphs":["Venezuela's counsel argued the FSIA is sui generis and distinct from general jurisdiction.","Helmerich & Payne's counsel argued the test turns on what is in issue in the suit.","Justice Alito compared sovereign immunity to qualified immunity for government officials.","Justice Kennedy noted courts might find immunity after initial jurisdictional findings."],"reargument":false,"sequence":1,"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 20, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 20, lines 20-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 22-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 22-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 8-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 31, lines 14-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 31, lines 14-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 10-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 10-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 36-4","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 36-4"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 12-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 12-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-40","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-40"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 22-38","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 56, lines 22-38"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 57, lines 50-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 57, lines 50-6"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 59, lines 10-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 59, lines 10-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 26-28","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 26-28"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 42-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 42-6"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 24-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 24-44"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 18-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 18-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 28-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 28-30"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 36-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 36-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 8-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 8-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 38-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 38-44"}]}],"caption":"Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela v. Helmerich & Payne Int'l Drilling Co.","case_history":[{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:22.043922Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"},{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:22.063310Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"}],"case_status":"argued","dek":"Venezuela argues the FSIA demands a strict jurisdictional test. Helmerich & Payne argues a loose pleading standard applies.","dek_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 20, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 20, lines 20-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 22-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 22-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 31, lines 14-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 31, lines 14-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 22-38","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 56, lines 22-38"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 57, lines 50-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 57, lines 50-6"}],"dispositions":[],"latest_court_document_date":"2016-11-02T00:00:00Z","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/15-423.html","primary_docket":"15-423","revisions":[{"correction_note":"Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.","created_at":"2026-08-30T18:51:32.520331Z","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":["The case concerns the legal standard for dismissing sovereign immunity claims under the FSIA."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 20, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 20, lines 20-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 22-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 22-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 31, lines 14-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 31, lines 14-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 22-38","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 56, lines 22-38"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 57, lines 50-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 57, lines 50-6"}]},{"heading":"How the case got here","paragraphs":["The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on November 2, 2016."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 8-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 59, lines 10-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 59, lines 10-12"}]},{"heading":"What each side wants","paragraphs":["Venezuela wants the Court to apply a strict jurisdictional test.","Helmerich & Payne wants the Court to apply a loose pleading standard."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 20, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 20, lines 20-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 22-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 22-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 31, lines 14-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 31, lines 14-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 22-38","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 56, lines 22-38"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 57, lines 50-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 57, lines 50-6"}]},{"heading":"What each side says","paragraphs":["Venezuela argues the FSIA is unique and requires strict jurisdictional review.","Helmerich & Payne argues the standard mirrors general federal pleading rules."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 20, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 20, lines 20-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 22-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 22-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 31, lines 14-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 31, lines 14-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 22-38","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 56, lines 22-38"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 57, lines 50-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 57, lines 50-6"}]},{"heading":"What the justices asked","paragraphs":["Justice Ginsburg asked if the standard differs from a motion to dismiss.","Justice Kagan asked what remains in issue after a property right is found."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 10-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 10-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 36-4","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 36-4"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 12-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 12-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-40","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-40"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 59, lines 10-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 59, lines 10-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 26-28","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 26-28"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 42-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 42-6"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 24-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 24-44"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 18-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 18-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 28-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 28-30"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 36-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 36-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 8-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 8-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 38-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 38-44"}]},{"heading":"Why it matters","paragraphs":["The standard determines how easily sovereigns face litigation in U.S. courts."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 20, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 20, lines 20-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 22-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 22-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 31, lines 14-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 31, lines 14-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 22-38","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 56, lines 22-38"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 57, lines 50-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 57, lines 50-6"}]},{"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 8-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 10-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 10-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 36-4","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 36-4"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 12-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 12-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-40","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-40"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 59, lines 10-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 59, lines 10-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 26-28","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 26-28"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 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36-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 36-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 8-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 8-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 38-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 38-44"}]}],"slug":"2016-15-423-bolivarian-republic-of-venezuela-v-helmerich-payne-int-l-drilling-co","term":"2016","title":"Does the FSIA require a strict jurisdictional test for sovereign immunity?","title_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 20, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 20, lines 20-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 22-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 22-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 31, lines 14-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 31, lines 14-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 22-38","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 56, lines 22-38"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 57, lines 50-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2016/15-423_pnk0.pdf","page_label":"file page 57, lines 50-6"}],"topics":[],"undated_disposition_date_fallback":null,"updated_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z"}