Forum
U.S. Supreme Court
Case Status
Decided
Docket Number
Term
2011 Term
Oral Argument Date
February 28, 2012
Lower Court Opinion
Questions Presented
Whether the Torture Victim Protection Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1350 note § 2(a), permits actions against defendants which are not natural persons.
Case Updates
Outcome
April 18, 2012
Held: As used in the TVPA, the term “individual” encompasses only natural persons. Consequently, the Act does not impose liability against organizations.
U.S. Chamber files amicus brief
December 21, 2011
The coalition amicus brief argued that in using the term “individual” in the TVPA, Congress did not intend to create a new cause of action against corporations.