National Aeronautics and Space Administration v. Nelson

Holding: The Court upheld NASA's background checks for employees of companies working under contract. (Kagan, J., recused).

Plain English Holding: NASA's background checks for employees of companies working under contracts with the agency do not violate any constitutional right to informational privacy that the employees may have.

Judgment: Reversed, 8-0, in an opinion by Justice Alito on January 19, 2011. (Kagan, J., recused).

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

• Brief for Petitioner National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Brief for Respondents Robert M. Nelson, et al.
• Reply Brief for Petitioner National Aeronautics and Space Administration, et al.

Amicus Briefs

• Brief for Consumer Data Industry Association, The National Association of Professional Background Screeners, Reed Elsevier Inc., and The National Association of Screening Agencies in Suppport of Petitioner
• Brief for the American Civil Liberties Union in Support of Respondent
• Brief for Union of Concerned Scientists in Support of Respondent
• Brief for Drug Policy Alliance in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the American Astronomical Society in Support of Respondent
• Brief for California Employment Lawyers Association in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the Electronic Frontier Foundation in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Support of Respondent

Certiorari-Stage Documents

• Opinion Below (9th Circuit, denial of rehearing en banc)
• Petition for Certiorari (unavailable)
• Brief in Opposition (unavailable)
• Petitioner’s Reply (unavailable)