October Term 2021 · Docket 20-219
Can federal funding recipients pay emotional distress damages for discrimination?
the sides that brought the case seek emotional distress damages. the opposing sides argue such damages are unavailable under Spending Clause statutes.
Verified source milestones
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
- — An official Court opinion 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
the sides that brought the case argue federal funding recipients may be liable for compensatory damages.
They claim intentional conduct violates clear nondiscrimination statute terms.
the opposing sides argue the Rehabilitation Act and ACA differ from other statutes.
They state these laws contain no express causes of action for private remedies.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 15-25 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 15-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 49-43 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 49-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 47-49 — Transcript, file page 13, lines 47-49
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 17-17 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 17-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 23-47 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 23-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 25-39 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 25-39
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 7-17 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 7-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 27-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 11-21 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 11-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-11 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 23-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 44, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 44, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 13-19 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 13-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 43-53 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 43-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 65, lines 55-39 — Transcript, file page 65, lines 55-39
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 15-53 — Transcript, file page 68, lines 15-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 7-9 — Transcript, file page 68, lines 7-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 17-29 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 17-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 55-21 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 55-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 11-45 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 11-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 71, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 71, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 23-25 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 23-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 37-47 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 37-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 45-1 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 45-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 33-33 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 33-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 47-27 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 47-27
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 31-33 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 31-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 33-11 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 33-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 80, lines 13-15 — Transcript, file page 80, lines 13-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 29-35 — Transcript, file page 9, lines 29-35
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
This case tests whether federal funding recipients face liability for emotional distress damages. the sides that brought the case argue intentional discrimination triggers such liability. the opposing sides argue the statutes lack express causes of action. The Court must define the scope of available remedies.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 27-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-11 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 23-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 44, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 44, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 43-53 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 43-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 80, lines 13-15 — Transcript, file page 80, lines 13-15
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on November 30, 2021.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 11-21 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 11-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 65, lines 55-39 — Transcript, file page 65, lines 55-39
What each side wants
the sides that brought the case want the Court to allow emotional distress damages for intentional discrimination.
the opposing sides want the Court to bar emotional distress damages under Spending Clause statutes.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 27-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-11 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 23-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 44, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 44, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 43-53 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 43-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 80, lines 13-15 — Transcript, file page 80, lines 13-15
What each side says
the sides that brought the case argue intentional conduct violates clear nondiscrimination terms and triggers liability.
the opposing sides argue the statutes lack express causes of action and define no private remedies.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 27-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-11 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 23-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 44, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 44, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 43-53 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 43-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 80, lines 13-15 — Transcript, file page 80, lines 13-15
What the justices asked
Justice Thomas asked if the case resembles intentional torts like Barnes or Franklin.
Justice Barrett asked if the sides that brought the case must draw an analogy to specific tort categories to win.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 15-25 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 15-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 49-43 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 49-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 47-49 — Transcript, file page 13, lines 47-49
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 17-17 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 17-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 23-47 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 23-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 25-39 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 25-39
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 7-17 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 7-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 13-19 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 13-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 65, lines 55-39 — Transcript, file page 65, lines 55-39
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 15-53 — Transcript, file page 68, lines 15-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 7-9 — Transcript, file page 68, lines 7-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 17-29 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 17-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 55-21 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 55-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 11-45 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 11-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 71, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 71, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 23-25 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 23-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 37-47 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 37-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 45-1 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 45-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 33-33 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 33-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 47-27 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 47-27
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 31-33 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 31-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 33-11 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 33-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 29-35 — Transcript, file page 9, lines 29-35
Why it matters
This dispute defines the financial exposure of federal funding recipients. It clarifies the scope of compensatory damages for discrimination. The outcome shapes how states enforce nondiscrimination laws. It impacts the cost of compliance for healthcare providers. It determines the standard for emotional distress claims.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 27-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-11 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 23-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 44, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 44, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 43-53 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 43-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 80, lines 13-15 — Transcript, file page 80, lines 13-15
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 11, lines 15-25 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 15-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 49-43 — Transcript, file page 11, lines 49-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 47-49 — Transcript, file page 13, lines 47-49
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 17-17 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 17-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 23-47 — Transcript, file page 14, lines 23-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 25-39 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 25-39
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 16, lines 7-17 — Transcript, file page 16, lines 7-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 11-21 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 11-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 13-19 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 13-19
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 6, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 65, lines 55-39 — Transcript, file page 65, lines 55-39
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 15-53 — Transcript, file page 68, lines 15-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 7-9 — Transcript, file page 68, lines 7-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 17-29 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 17-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 55-21 — Transcript, file page 69, lines 55-21
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 11-45 — Transcript, file page 7, lines 11-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 71, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 71, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 23-25 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 23-25
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 37-47 — Transcript, file page 72, lines 37-47
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 75, lines 45-1 — Transcript, file page 75, lines 45-1
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 33-33 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 33-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 76, lines 47-27 — Transcript, file page 76, lines 47-27
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 79, lines 31-33 — Transcript, file page 79, lines 31-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 33-11 — Transcript, file page 8, lines 33-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 29-35 — Transcript, file page 9, lines 29-35
Official Court provenance
Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page
Verified official opinions and orders
Title and summary sources
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 27-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-11 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 23-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 44, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 44, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 43-53 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 43-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 80, lines 13-15 — Transcript, file page 80, lines 13-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 24, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 24, lines 27-31
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 23-11 — Transcript, file page 4, lines 23-11
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 44, lines 35-45 — Transcript, file page 44, lines 35-45
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 64, lines 43-53 — Transcript, file page 64, lines 43-53
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 80, lines 13-15 — Transcript, file page 80, lines 13-15
Revision history
- Revision 1 · Post Opinion ·
Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.
- Revision 2 · Post Opinion ·
Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.