Details on today’s opinion
on Apr 20, 2011 at 9:22 am
This morning, the Court issued one opinion, Sossamon v. Texas (No. 08-1438). By a vote of six to two, the Court affirmed the Fifth Circuit’s decision. It held that when they accept federal funding, states do not consent to waive their sovereign immunity to private lawsuits for money damages under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. The opinion is written by Justice Thomas. Justice Sotomayor filed a dissent, which was joined by Justice Breyer. Justice Kagan did not participate in the case. The Court’s opinion is here.