{"argument_date":"2019-11-13T00:00:00Z","arguments":[{"argument_date":"2019-11-13T00:00:00Z","heading":"What happened at the argument","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2019","official_transcript_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","paragraphs":["Ms. Ratner stated the Ninth Circuit found any role suffices.","Mr. Chemerinsky argued statutory language implies but-for causation.","Justice Kagan questioned whether the opposing sides must prove but-for causation.","Chief Justice Roberts suggested the legal distinction might be academic."],"reargument":false,"sequence":1,"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 10, lines 16-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 10, lines 16-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme 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— file page 4, lines 10-22","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 10-22"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 24-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 24-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 16-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 16-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 42-42","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 63, lines 42-42"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 54-52","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 54-52"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 54-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 72, lines 54-6"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 18-32","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 18-32"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 48-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 48-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 52-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 52-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 8-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 8-36"}]}],"caption":"Comcast Corp. v. National Ass. of African American-Owned Media","case_history":[{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:19.765760Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"},{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:19.795976Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"}],"case_status":"argued","dek":"The parties dispute whether race must be the primary cause of a contract denial.","dek_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 22, lines 32-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 22, lines 32-44"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 50-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 34, lines 50-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 24-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 24-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 42-42","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 63, lines 42-42"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 54-52","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 54-52"}],"dispositions":[],"latest_court_document_date":"2019-11-13T00:00:00Z","maturity":"official_transcript","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2019","official_disposition_urls":[],"official_docket_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/18-1171.html","primary_docket":"18-1171","revisions":[{"correction_note":"Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.","created_at":"2026-08-30T17:40:55.332492Z","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":["Comcast seeks to overturn a Ninth Circuit ruling. The media association wants to keep that ruling intact."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 22, lines 32-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 22, lines 32-44"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 50-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 34, lines 50-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 24-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 24-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 42-42","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 63, lines 42-42"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 54-52","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 54-52"}]},{"heading":"How the case got here","paragraphs":["The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on November 13, 2019."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 10-22","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 10-22"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 54-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 72, lines 54-6"}]},{"heading":"What each side wants","paragraphs":["Comcast wants the Court to require but-for causation.","The media association wants to keep the any-role standard."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 22, lines 32-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 22, lines 32-44"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 50-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 34, lines 50-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 24-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 24-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 42-42","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 63, lines 42-42"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 54-52","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 54-52"}]},{"heading":"What each side says","paragraphs":["Comcast argues the statute requires race to be the primary cause.","The association argues race need only play some role in the decision."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 22, lines 32-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 22, lines 32-44"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 50-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 34, lines 50-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 24-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 24-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 42-42","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 63, lines 42-42"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 54-52","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 54-52"}]},{"heading":"What the justices asked","paragraphs":["Justice Kagan asked if the Ninth Circuit was wrong on causation.","Chief Justice Roberts wondered if the distinction is academic."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 10, lines 16-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 10, lines 16-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 10, lines 46-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 10, lines 46-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 12-42","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 12-42"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 40-40","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 40-40"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 48-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 48-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 34-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 34-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 52-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 52-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 16-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 16-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 54-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 72, lines 54-6"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 18-32","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 18-32"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 48-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 48-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 52-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 52-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 8-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 8-36"}]},{"heading":"Why it matters","paragraphs":["This case defines the proof standard for racial discrimination claims. It determines how plaintiffs must prove bias in contracting disputes."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 22, lines 32-44","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 22, lines 32-44"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 34, lines 50-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 34, lines 50-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 24-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 24-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 63, lines 42-42","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 63, lines 42-42"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 54-52","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 54-52"}]},{"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 10, lines 16-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 10, lines 16-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 10, lines 46-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 10, lines 46-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 12-42","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 12-42"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 40-40","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 40-40"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 48-8","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 48-8"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 34-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 34-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 52-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2019/18-1171_3e04.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 52-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 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