November Session Recap

Many important cases were argued in front of the Supreme Court in the previous two-week session. Refresh your knowledge of each case and what was argued with these articles – and not just the ones about poisonous love triangles and the definition of clothing.

Walden v. Fiore: Can a person sue a government official in the plaintiff’s home state, when the official is in another state?

Sandifer v. United States Steel Corporation: When does changing into and out of a work uniform count as time spent working?

Bond v. United States: Can Congress rely on a chemical weapons treaty to make a woman’s attempt to poison her husband’s lover a federal crime? (For more, read the case’s background.)

Sprint Communications Company v. Jacobs: Does a federal district court have to stay a federal lawsuit while a state proceeding goes forward?

Medtronic, Inc. v. Boston Scientific Corp.: Where does the burden of proof fall in patent cases brought as declaratory judgment actions – on proving infringement or non-infringement?

Town of Greece v. Galloway: Does prayer predominantly from one religion at town council meetings violate the Establishment Clause? (For more, please visit our Deep Dive on this case.)

Mississippi ex rel. Hood v. AU Optronics Corp.: Can a defendant sued by a state attorney general on behalf of a large group of people move the lawsuit to federal court?

Burrage v. United States: Is a drug dealer criminally liable for the death of a client? Adam Liptak delivers the story.

Rosemond v. United States: What does the government have to prove to convict someone of aiding and abetting a crime?

Lawson v. FMR LLC: Can a whistleblower at a privately-held company be protected by anti-retaliation laws targeting publicly traded firms?

Unite Here Local 355 v. Mulhall: Does a union’s agreement with management before the union has organized the workplace count as a “thing of value” and an illegal exchange? (For more, watch Professor Rosado of Chicago-Kent discuss the background of the case.)

Fernandez v. California: Can one roommate give permission for police to enter a home when another roommate refuses?