October Term 2000 · Docket 99-1908
Can individuals sue for Title VI discrimination without a private right of action?
the sides that brought the case seek to create a private right of action under Title VI regulations. the opposing sides argue Congress did not authorize such suits.
Verified source milestones
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
The arguments, in order
This case may have been argued more than once. Each entry below uses that session's official transcript. Later arguments do not erase earlier ones.
Argument 1 ·
What happened at the argument
Mr. Schnapper argued the sides that brought the case propose substantial legal changes.
He claimed this involves fundamental changes in federal-state relations.
Mr. Sutton stated it is never appropriate to imply private rights.
He argued this under the federal spending power context.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 33-9 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 33-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 38, lines 3-23 — Transcript, file page 38, lines 3-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 48, lines 25-27 — Transcript, file page 48, lines 25-27
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
This case tests whether Title VI regulations allow private individuals to sue for damages. The dispute centers on the scope of federal spending power.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 33-9 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 33-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 38, lines 3-23 — Transcript, file page 38, lines 3-23
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on January 16, 2001.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
What each side wants
the sides that brought the case want a private right of action for Title VI violations.
the opposing sides want to limit relief to injunctive actions against officials.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 33-9 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 33-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 38, lines 3-23 — Transcript, file page 38, lines 3-23
What each side says
the sides that brought the case argue Title VI regulations imply a private right of action.
the opposing sides argue the spending power does not imply private rights.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 33-9 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 33-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 38, lines 3-23 — Transcript, file page 38, lines 3-23
What the justices asked
Does Title VI authorize private damages suits?
Can courts imply private rights under the spending power?
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 48, lines 25-27 — Transcript, file page 48, lines 25-27
Why it matters
The outcome defines the scope of federal anti-discrimination enforcement. It determines whether individuals can sue directly for Title VI violations. This shapes the balance between federal and state authority.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 33-9 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 33-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 38, lines 3-23 — Transcript, file page 38, lines 3-23
What happens next
This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 48, lines 25-27 — Transcript, file page 48, lines 25-27
Official Court provenance
Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page
Title and summary sources
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 33-9 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 33-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 38, lines 3-23 — Transcript, file page 38, lines 3-23
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 27, lines 33-9 — Transcript, file page 27, lines 33-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-9 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 38, lines 3-23 — Transcript, file page 38, lines 3-23
Revision history
- Revision 1 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.
- Revision 2 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.