InsideGov
Supreme Court · Decisions

Mitchell v. Forsyth

472 U.S. 511 · No. 84-335 · 1984 term · Burger Court

Decided Jun 19, 1985 · argued Feb 27, 1985

Economic activity · Liability, governmental: tort or contract actions by or against government or governmental officials other than defense of criminal actions brought under a civil rights action

Majority opinion: Byron White

The voteMajorityDissent

4–34 in the majority, 3 in dissent

3 dissents (6–3)

Affirmed and reversed (or vacated) in part. Mitchell lost.

What this ruling means

Affirmed in part and reversed in part: the Supreme Court upheld part of the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit and overturned or set aside the rest.

Mitchell was the petitioner, the side that asked the Supreme Court to review the case. “Lost” means the Court did not give that side the result it asked for.

From the Supreme Court Database. A justice who agreed with the result but not the reasoning counts in the majority.

Report a correction

Summary

The opening of the case’s Wikipedia article: what the case was about and what the Court held.

Mitchell v. Forsyth, 472 U.S. 511 (1985), was a United States Supreme Court case deciding on the issue of immunity of cabinet officers from suits from individuals.

In 1970, John N. Mitchell, Attorney General, authorized a warrantless wiretap for the purpose of gathering intelligence regarding the activities of a radical group that had made tentative plans to take actions threatening the Nation's security. During the time the wiretap was installed, the Government intercepted three conversations between a member of the group and respondent. In 1972, the Supreme Court in United States v. United States District Court (1972), also known as the Keith case, ruled that the Fourth Amendment does not permit warrantless wiretaps in cases involving domestic threats to the national security. Respondent then filed a damages action in Federal District Court against petitioner and others, alleging that the surveillance to which he had been subjected violated the Fourth Amendment and Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. Ultimately, the District Court, granting respondent's motion for summary judgment on the issue of liability, held that petitioner was not entitled to either absolute or qualified immunity. The Court of Appeals agreed with the denial of absolute immunity, but held, with respect to the denial of qualified immunity, that the District Court's order was not appealable under the collateral order doctrine.

Read the full article on Wikipedia

Data notes

The text is Wikipedia’s (CC BY-SA 4.0), matched to the case by its citation, docket number or name and year, and is not checked against the opinion. The site keeps the article’s opening section, ending on its last full sentence. The one-sentence summary under the title is the Decisions list’s: Wikipedia’s own ruling sentence, or, tagged “AI-written”, one Claude wrote from this opening.

Report a correction

How the justices voted

Each justice who took part, placed by their Martin–Quinn ideology score for the 1984 term. Filled: the 4 in the majority. Hollow: the 3 in dissent. Colour is the party of the president who appointed them.

More liberalMore conservativeMedianMarshallBrennanStevensBlackmunWhiteO'ConnorBurger

Majority(4)

Dissent(3)

Did not take part: Lewis Powell, William Rehnquist.

Data notes

Each justice’s vote and what they wrote are from the justice-centered file of the Supreme Court Database. “Wrote a concurrence” means the justice sided with the majority and wrote separately; a justice who dissented in part is counted on the side they took overall. A justice who wrote nothing is listed as joining their side.

Positions are each justice’s Martin–Quinn score for the case’s term, the same scores as the Ideology page: negative is more liberal, positive more conservative. A score sums up a justice’s votes across the whole term, so it says where they usually sit, not why they voted as they did here. The median line is the Court’s median justice that term.

Report a correction

The parties

Who brought the case to the Court, who answered it, and how it got there.

Petitioner
MitchellAttorney general of the United States, or his office
Respondent
ForsythProtester, demonstrator, picketer or pamphleteer (non-employment related), or non-indigent loiterer
Reached the Court by
Certiorari (the Court chose to hear it)
Why it was taken
Federal appeals courts had ruled differently, and the question was important
Data notes

The names are the two sides of the case’s title. The description under each is the Supreme Court Database’s category for that party, in its own wording. The petitioner is the side that asked the Supreme Court to review the decision below. “Why it was taken” appears only when the majority opinion says lower courts disagreed or were unsure about the question; reasons that would fit any case (“to resolve the question presented”, “an important question”) are left out.

Report a correction

The law at issue

The law the Court was asked to apply, and the kind of power it used to decide.

Decided by
Federal common law
Data notes

The Supreme Court Database codes the main constitutional provision, statute or court rule each case turned on, and the basis of the decision: judicial review of a federal or state law, interpreting a statute, supervising the lower courts, and so on. A case can rest on more than one. “Overruled” counts only where the majority opinion says so.

Report a correction

Timeline

What happened at the Court and how the case got there, newest first.

  1. Jun 19, 1985DecidedDecided · Decided 4–3: affirmed and reversed (or vacated) in part. Mitchell lost.
  2. Feb 27, 1985ArguedArgued · Oral argument before the Court.
  3. Not datedTaken upTaken up · The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case (certiorari). Federal appeals courts had ruled differently, and the question was important.
  4. Not datedCourt belowCourt below · Decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit: affirmed, with a dissent.
  5. Not datedBeganBegan · The case began in the Pennsylvania Eastern U.S. District Court.
Data notes

From the Supreme Court Database: the court the case began in, the court whose decision the Supreme Court reviewed and what that court did, how the case came to the Court, and the dates of argument and decision. The database does not date the steps in the lower courts. Court names are the database’s.

Report a correction

Other decisions on the same issue

163 other argued cases since 1946 on liability, governmental: tort or contract actions by or against government or governmental officials other than defense of criminal actions brought under a civil rights action, newest first.

  1. Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Corporacion Cimex, S.A.146 S. Ct. 1909Jun 23, 2026 · 146 S. Ct. 1909Economic activity6–36–3 band

  2. Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety146 S. Ct. 1931Jun 23, 2026 · 146 S. Ct. 1931Economic activity6–36–3 band

  3. Havana Docks Corporation v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.146 S. Ct. 1233May 21, 2026 · 146 S. Ct. 1233Economic activity8–18–1 band

  4. Hencely v. Fluor Corporation608 U.S. 31Apr 22, 2026 · 608 U.S. 31Economic activity6–36–3 band

  5. Galette v. New Jersey Transit Corporation607 U.S. 509Mar 4, 2026 · 607 U.S. 509Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  6. U.S. Postal Service v. Konan607 U.S. 391Feb 24, 2026 · 607 U.S. 391Economic activity5–45–4 band

  7. Martin v. United States222 L. Ed. 2d 54Jun 12, 2025 · 222 L. Ed. 2d 54Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  8. Feliciano v. Department of Transportation145 S. Ct. 1284Apr 30, 2025 · 145 S. Ct. 1284Economic activity5–45–4 band

  9. Advocate Christ Medical Center v. Kennedy145 S. Ct. 1262Apr 29, 2025 · 145 S. Ct. 1262Economic activity7–27–2 band

  10. Republic of Hungary v. Simon145 S. Ct. 480Feb 21, 2025 · 145 S. Ct. 480Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  11. Wisconsin Bell v. U.S., ex rel. Todd Heath145 S. Ct. 498Feb 21, 2025 · 145 S. Ct. 498Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  12. Egbert v. Boule142 S. Ct. 1793Jun 8, 2022 · 142 S. Ct. 1793Economic activity6–36–3 band
  13. Gallardo v. Marstiller142 S. Ct. 1751Jun 6, 2022 · 142 S. Ct. 1751Economic activity7–27–2 band

  14. Brownback v. King141 S. Ct. 740Feb 25, 2021 · 141 S. Ct. 740Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  15. Federal Republic of Germany v. Philipp141 S. Ct. 703Feb 3, 2021 · 141 S. Ct. 703Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  16. Republic of Hungary v. Simon141 S. Ct. 691Feb 3, 2021 · 141 S. Ct. 691Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  17. Opati v. Republic of Sudan140 S. Ct. 1601May 18, 2020 · 140 S. Ct. 1601Economic activity8–0Unanimous band

  18. Maine Community Health Options v. United States140 S. Ct. 1308Apr 27, 2020 · 140 S. Ct. 1308Economic activity8–18–1 band

  19. Hernandez v. Mesa140 S. Ct. 735Feb 25, 2020 · 140 S. Ct. 735Economic activity5–45–4 band

  20. Franchise Tax Board of California v. Hyatt139 S. Ct. 1485May 13, 2019 · 139 S. Ct. 1485Economic activity5–45–4 band

  21. Thacker v. Tennessee Valley Authority139 S. Ct. 1435Apr 29, 2019 · 139 S. Ct. 1435Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  22. Republic of Sudan v. Harrison139 S. Ct. 1048Mar 26, 2019 · 139 S. Ct. 1048Economic activity8–18–1 band

  23. Rubin v. Islamic Republic of Iran138 S. Ct. 816Feb 21, 2018 · 138 S. Ct. 816Economic activity8–0Unanimous band

  24. District of Columbia v. Wesby138 S. Ct. 577Jan 22, 2018 · 138 S. Ct. 577Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  25. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. v. United States, ex Rel Rigsby137 S. Ct. 436Dec 6, 2016 · 137 S. Ct. 436Economic activity8–0Unanimous band

  26. RJR Nabisco Inc. v. European Community579 U.S. 325Jun 20, 2016 · 579 U.S. 325Economic activity4–36–3 band

  27. Kingdomware Technologies, Inc., v. United States579 U.S. 162Jun 16, 2016 · 579 U.S. 162Economic activity8–0Unanimous band

  28. Simmons v. Himmelreich578 U.S. 621Jun 6, 2016 · 578 U.S. 621Economic activity8–0Unanimous band

  29. Bank Markazi v. PetersonLandmark · Separation of powers578 U.S. 212Apr 20, 2016 · 578 U.S. 212Economic activity6–27–2 band

  30. California Franchise Tax Board v. Hyatt578 U.S. 171Apr 19, 2016 · 578 U.S. 171Economic activity6–27–2 band

  31. Obb Personenverkehr AG v. Sachs577 U.S. 27Dec 1, 2015 · 577 U.S. 27Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  32. United States v. Kwai Fun Wong575 U.S. 402Apr 22, 2015 · 575 U.S. 402Economic activity5–45–4 band

  33. Kim Millbrook, Petitioner v. United States569 U.S. 50Mar 27, 2013 · 569 U.S. 50Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  34. Steven Alan Levin, Petitioner v. United States et al.568 U.S. 503Mar 4, 2013 · 568 U.S. 503Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  35. John D. Ashcroft, Petitioner v. Abdullah Al-Kidd563 U.S. 731May 31, 2011 · 563 U.S. 731Economic activity8–0Unanimous band

  36. Esther Hui, et al. v. Yanira Castaneda, As Personal Representative of the Estate of Francisco Castaneda, et al.559 U.S. 799May 3, 2010 · 559 U.S. 799Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  37. Graham County Soil and Water Conservation District, et al. v. United States ex rel. Karen T. Wilson559 U.S. 280Mar 30, 2010 · 559 U.S. 280Economic activity7–27–2 band

  38. Ministry of Defense and Support for the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v. Dariush Elahi556 U.S. 366Apr 21, 2009 · 556 U.S. 366Economic activity6–36–3 band
  39. Abdus-Shahid M. S. Ali v. Federal Bureau of Prisons et al552 U.S. 214Jan 22, 2008 · 552 U.S. 214Economic activity5–45–4 band

  40. Charles Wilkie, et al. v. Harvey Frank Robbins551 U.S. 537Jun 25, 2007 · 551 U.S. 537Economic activity7–27–2 band

  41. Northern Insurance Company of New York v. Chatham County, Georgia547 U.S. 189Apr 25, 2006 · 547 U.S. 189Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  42. Barbara Dolan v. United States Postal Service et al.546 U.S. 481Feb 22, 2006 · 546 U.S. 481Economic activity7–18–1 band

  43. George J. Tenet, Individually, Porter J. Goss, Director of Central Intelligence and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and United States v. John Doe, et ux.544 U.S. 1Mar 2, 2005 · 544 U.S. 1Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  44. Jeff Groh v. Joseph R. Ramirez et al.540 U.S. 551Feb 24, 2004 · 540 U.S. 551Economic activity5–45–4 band

  45. Cook County, Illinois v. United States ex rel. Janet Chandler538 U.S. 119Mar 10, 2003 · 538 U.S. 119Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  46. Warren Christopher, Former Secretary of State, et al. v. Jennifer K. Harbury536 U.S. 403Jun 20, 2002 · 536 U.S. 403Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  47. Donald Saucier v. Elliot M. Katz and in Defense of Animals533 U.S. 194Jun 18, 2001 · 533 U.S. 194Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  48. Central Green Co. v. United States531 U.S. 425Feb 21, 2001 · 531 U.S. 425Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  49. David Conn and Carol Najera v. Paul L. Gabbert526 U.S. 286Apr 5, 1999 · 526 U.S. 286Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  50. Department of the Army v. Blue Fox, Inc.525 U.S. 255Jan 20, 1999 · 525 U.S. 255Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  51. County of Sacramento, et al. v. Teri Lewis and Thomas Lewis, Personal Representatives of the Estate of Philip Lewis, Deceased523 U.S. 833May 26, 1998 · 523 U.S. 833Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  52. Daniel Bogan and Marilyn Roderick v. Janet Scott-Harris523 U.S. 44Mar 3, 1998 · 523 U.S. 44Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  53. William Jefferson Clinton v. Paula Corbin JonesLandmark · Domestic520 U.S. 681May 27, 1997 · 520 U.S. 681Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  54. Regents of the University of California, et al. v. John Doe etc.519 U.S. 425Feb 19, 1997 · 519 U.S. 425Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  55. United States v. Winstar Corporation, et al.518 U.S. 839Jul 1, 1996 · 518 U.S. 839Economic activity7–27–2 band

  56. James Griffin Lane v. Federico F. Pena, Secretary of Transportation, et al.518 U.S. 187Jun 20, 1996 · 518 U.S. 187Economic activity7–27–2 band
  57. Hercules Incorporated, et al. v. United States516 U.S. 417Mar 4, 1996 · 516 U.S. 417Economic activity6–27–2 band
  58. City of Milwaukee v. Cement Division, National Gypsum Company, et al.515 U.S. 189Jun 12, 1995 · 515 U.S. 189Economic activity8–0Unanimous band
  59. Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services v. Margaret Whitecotton et al.514 U.S. 268Apr 18, 1995 · 514 U.S. 268Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  60. Albert Hess and Charles F. Walsh v. Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation513 U.S. 30Nov 14, 1994 · 513 U.S. 30Economic activity5–45–4 band

  61. West Lynn Creamery, Inc., et al. v. Jonathan Healy, Commissioner of Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture512 U.S. 186Jun 17, 1994 · 512 U.S. 186Economic activity7–27–2 band
  62. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation v. John H. Meyer510 U.S. 471Feb 23, 1994 · 510 U.S. 471Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  63. Saudi Arabia, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Royspec v. Scott Nelson et ux.507 U.S. 349Mar 23, 1993 · 507 U.S. 349Economic activity6–36–3 band
  64. Sandra Jean Smith v. United States507 U.S. 197Mar 8, 1993 · 507 U.S. 197Economic activity8–18–1 band
  65. United States Department of Energy v. Ohio, et al.503 U.S. 607Apr 21, 1992 · 503 U.S. 607Economic activity6–36–3 band
  66. Shirley M. Molzof, Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert E. Molzof v. United States502 U.S. 301Jan 14, 1992 · 502 U.S. 301Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  67. Kenneth Hilton v. South Carolina Public Railways Commission502 U.S. 197Dec 15, 1991 · 502 U.S. 197Economic activity6–27–2 band
  68. Edgar Blatchford, Commissioner, Department of Community and Regional Affairs of Alaska v. Native Village of Noatak and Circle Village501 U.S. 775Jun 24, 1991 · 501 U.S. 775Economic activity6–36–3 band

  69. Frederick A. Siegert v. H. Melvin Gilley500 U.S. 226May 23, 1991 · 500 U.S. 226Economic activity6–36–3 band
  70. United States v. Gaubert499 U.S. 315Mar 26, 1991 · 499 U.S. 315Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  71. United States et al. v. Marcus S. Smith et al.499 U.S. 160Mar 20, 1991 · 499 U.S. 160Economic activity8–18–1 band
  72. Office of Personnel Management v. Charles Richmond496 U.S. 414Jun 11, 1990 · 496 U.S. 414Economic activity7–27–2 band
  73. Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. v. Feeney495 U.S. 299Apr 30, 1990 · 495 U.S. 299Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  74. Finley v. United States490 U.S. 545May 22, 1989 · 490 U.S. 545Economic activity5–45–4 band
  75. Boyle, Personal Representative of the Heirs and Estate of Boyle v. United Technologies Corp.487 U.S. 500Jun 27, 1988 · 487 U.S. 500Economic activity5–45–4 band

  76. Schweiker et al. v. Chilicky et al.487 U.S. 412Jun 24, 1988 · 487 U.S. 412Economic activity6–36–3 band

  77. Sheridan et ux. v. United States487 U.S. 392Jun 24, 1988 · 487 U.S. 392Economic activity6–36–3 band

  78. Berkovitz et al. v. United States486 U.S. 531Jun 13, 1988 · 486 U.S. 531Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  79. Westfall et al. v. Erwin et ux.484 U.S. 292Jan 13, 1988 · 484 U.S. 292Economic activity8–0Unanimous band
  80. United States et al. v. Stanley483 U.S. 669Jun 25, 1987 · 483 U.S. 669Economic activity5–45–4 band

  81. Anderson v. Creighton et al.483 U.S. 635Jun 25, 1987 · 483 U.S. 635Economic activity6–36–3 band

  82. Welch v. Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation, et al.483 U.S. 468Jun 25, 1987 · 483 U.S. 468Economic activity5–45–4 band
  83. United States v. Johnson, Personal Representative of the Estate of Johnson481 U.S. 681May 18, 1987 · 481 U.S. 681Economic activity5–45–4 band

  84. United States v. James et al.478 U.S. 597Jul 2, 1986 · 478 U.S. 597Economic activity6–36–3 band
  85. Cleavinger et al. v. Saxner et al.474 U.S. 193Dec 10, 1985 · 474 U.S. 193Economic activity6–36–3 band
  86. United States v. Shearer, Individually and As Administratrix for the Estate of Shearer473 U.S. 52Jun 27, 1985 · 473 U.S. 52Economic activity8–0Unanimous band
  87. United States v. Morton467 U.S. 822Jun 19, 1984 · 467 U.S. 822Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  88. United States v. S. A. Empresa de Viacao Aerea Rio Grandense (Varig Airlines) et al.467 U.S. 797Jun 19, 1984 · 467 U.S. 797Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  89. Kosak v. United States465 U.S. 848Mar 21, 1984 · 465 U.S. 848Economic activity8–18–1 band
  90. United States v. Mitchell et al.463 U.S. 206Jun 27, 1983 · 463 U.S. 206Economic activity6–36–3 band

  91. Bush v. Lucas462 U.S. 367Jun 13, 1983 · 462 U.S. 367Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  92. Chappell et al. v. Wallace et al.462 U.S. 296Jun 13, 1983 · 462 U.S. 296Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  93. Block, Secretary of Agriculture, et al. v. Neal460 U.S. 289Mar 7, 1983 · 460 U.S. 289Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  94. Lockheed Aircraft Corp. v. United States et al.460 U.S. 190Feb 23, 1983 · 460 U.S. 190Economic activity7–27–2 band
  95. Velde, Administrator, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, et al. v. National Black Police Assn., Inc., et al.458 U.S. 591Jun 30, 1982 · 458 U.S. 591Economic activity7–0Unanimous band
  96. Harlow et al. v. FitzgeraldLandmark · Domestic457 U.S. 800Jun 24, 1982 · 457 U.S. 800Economic activity8–18–1 band
  97. Nixon v. FitzgeraldLandmark · Domestic457 U.S. 731Jun 24, 1982 · 457 U.S. 731Economic activity5–45–4 band

  98. Carlson, Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons, et al. v. Green, Administratrix446 U.S. 14Apr 22, 1980 · 446 U.S. 14Economic activity7–27–2 band

  99. United States v. Mitchell et al.445 U.S. 535Apr 15, 1980 · 445 U.S. 535Economic activity5–36–3 band
  100. Hatzlachh Supply Co., Inc. v. United States444 U.S. 460Jan 21, 1980 · 444 U.S. 460Economic activity8–18–1 band
  101. United States v. Kubrick444 U.S. 111Nov 28, 1979 · 444 U.S. 111Economic activity6–36–3 band
  102. Nevada et al. v. Hall et al.440 U.S. 410Mar 5, 1979 · 440 U.S. 410Economic activity6–36–3 band

  103. Lake Country Estates, Inc., et al. v. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency et al.440 U.S. 391Mar 5, 1979 · 440 U.S. 391Economic activity6–36–3 band
  104. Butz et al. v. Economou et al.438 U.S. 478Jun 29, 1978 · 438 U.S. 478Economic activity5–45–4 band

  105. Stencel Aero Engineering Corp. v. United States431 U.S. 666Jun 9, 1977 · 431 U.S. 666Economic activity7–27–2 band
  106. United States v. Hopkins, Special Administrator427 U.S. 123Jun 24, 1976 · 427 U.S. 123Economic activity8–18–1 band
  107. United States v. Orleans et al.425 U.S. 807Jun 1, 1976 · 425 U.S. 807Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  108. United States v. Reliable Transfer Co., Inc.421 U.S. 397May 19, 1975 · 421 U.S. 397Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  109. Scheuer, Administratrix v. Rhodes, Governor of Ohio, et al.416 U.S. 232Apr 17, 1974 · 416 U.S. 232Economic activity8–0Unanimous band
  110. Logue et al. v. United States412 U.S. 521Jun 11, 1973 · 412 U.S. 521Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  111. United States v. Mason, Administrator, et al.412 U.S. 391Jun 4, 1973 · 412 U.S. 391Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  112. Doe et al. v. McMillan et al.412 U.S. 306May 29, 1973 · 412 U.S. 306Economic activity5–45–4 band
  113. Laird, Secretary of Defense, et al. v. Nelms et al.406 U.S. 797Jun 7, 1972 · 406 U.S. 797Economic activity6–27–2 band
  114. Affiliated Ute Citizens of Utah et al. v. United States et al.406 U.S. 128Apr 24, 1972 · 406 U.S. 128Economic activity7–0Unanimous band
  115. United States v. Seckinger, Trading As M. O. Seckinger Co.397 U.S. 203Mar 9, 1970 · 397 U.S. 203Economic activity4–36–3 band
  116. Maryland, for the Use of Levin, et al. v. United States381 U.S. 41May 3, 1965 · 381 U.S. 41Economic activity8–18–1 band
  117. Parden et al. v. Terminal Railway of the Alabama State Docks Department et al.377 U.S. 184May 18, 1964 · 377 U.S. 184Economic activity5–45–4 band
  118. United States v. Muniz et al.374 U.S. 150Jun 17, 1963 · 374 U.S. 150Economic activity8–0Unanimous band
  119. Weyerhaeuser Steamship Co. v. United States372 U.S. 597Apr 1, 1963 · 372 U.S. 597Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  120. Morales et al. v. City of Galveston et al.370 U.S. 165Jun 11, 1962 · 370 U.S. 165Economic activity5–36–3 band
  121. Roper v. United States et al.368 U.S. 20Nov 6, 1961 · 368 U.S. 20Economic activity6–36–3 band
  122. United States v. Neustadt et ux.366 U.S. 696May 29, 1961 · 366 U.S. 696Economic activity7–18–1 band
  123. West v. United States et al.361 U.S. 118Dec 7, 1959 · 361 U.S. 118Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  124. United States v. Isthmian Steamship Co.359 U.S. 314Apr 27, 1959 · 359 U.S. 314Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  125. Petty, Administratrix, v. Tennessee-Missouri Bridge Commission359 U.S. 275Apr 20, 1959 · 359 U.S. 275Economic activity6–36–3 band
  126. Wiener v. United States357 U.S. 349Jun 30, 1958 · 357 U.S. 349Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  127. United States v. New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co.355 U.S. 253Dec 16, 1957 · 355 U.S. 253Economic activity8–18–1 band
  128. Rayonier Incorporated v. United States352 U.S. 315Jan 28, 1957 · 352 U.S. 315Economic activity7–27–2 band
  129. Massachusetts Bonding & Insurance Co. et al. v. United States352 U.S. 128Dec 10, 1956 · 352 U.S. 128Economic activity5–45–4 band
  130. United States v. Bergh et al.352 U.S. 40Nov 19, 1956 · 352 U.S. 40Economic activity5–36–3 band
  131. Hatahley et al. v. United States351 U.S. 173May 7, 1956 · 351 U.S. 173Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  132. General Box Co. v. United States351 U.S. 159May 7, 1956 · 351 U.S. 159Economic activity7–27–2 band
  133. Indian Towing Co., Inc., et al. v. United States350 U.S. 61Nov 21, 1955 · 350 U.S. 61Economic activity5–45–4 band
  134. Williams v. United States.350 U.S. 857Oct 17, 1955 · 350 U.S. 857Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  135. United States, As Owner of the Christopher Gale, v. Nielson et al., Trading As Dauntless Towing Line349 U.S. 129May 16, 1955 · 349 U.S. 129Economic activity6–27–2 band
  136. United States v. Gilman347 U.S. 507May 17, 1954 · 347 U.S. 507Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  137. United States v. Lindsay et al.346 U.S. 568Jan 18, 1954 · 346 U.S. 568Economic activity8–18–1 band
  138. Dalehite et al. v. United States346 U.S. 15Jun 8, 1953 · 346 U.S. 15Economic activity4–36–3 band
  139. Calmar Steamship Corp. v. United States345 U.S. 446Apr 27, 1953 · 345 U.S. 446Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  140. De la Rama Steamship Co., Inc. v. United States344 U.S. 386Feb 2, 1953 · 344 U.S. 386Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  141. United States v. Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co. et al.343 U.S. 236Apr 21, 1952 · 343 U.S. 236Economic activity7–27–2 band
  142. United States v. Shannon et al.342 U.S. 288Jan 14, 1952 · 342 U.S. 288Economic activity5–45–4 band
  143. United States v. Kelly et al.342 U.S. 193Jan 2, 1952 · 342 U.S. 193Economic activity6–36–3 band
  144. McMAHON v. United States et al.342 U.S. 25Nov 5, 1951 · 342 U.S. 25Economic activity6–27–2 band
  145. United States v. Yellow Cab Co.340 U.S. 543Feb 26, 1951 · 340 U.S. 543Economic activity7–27–2 band
  146. Feres, Executrix, v. United States340 U.S. 135Dec 4, 1950 · 340 U.S. 135Economic activity9–0Unanimous band

  147. Libby, McNEILL & Libby v. United States340 U.S. 71Nov 27, 1950 · 340 U.S. 71Economic activity6–36–3 band
  148. Standard Oil Company of New Jersey v. United StatesLandmark340 U.S. 54Nov 27, 1950 · 340 U.S. 54Economic activity6–36–3 band

  149. Fogarty, Trustee in Bankruptcy, v. United States et al.340 U.S. 8Nov 6, 1950 · 340 U.S. 8Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  150. Alcoa Steamship Co., Inc. v. United States338 U.S. 421Dec 19, 1949 · 338 U.S. 421Economic activity6–27–2 band
  151. United States v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co.338 U.S. 366Dec 12, 1949 · 338 U.S. 366Economic activity7–18–1 band
  152. United States v. Spelar, Administratrix338 U.S. 217Nov 7, 1949 · 338 U.S. 217Economic activity8–0Unanimous band
  153. Fink v. Shepard Steamship Co.337 U.S. 810Jun 27, 1949 · 337 U.S. 810Economic activity5–45–4 band
  154. Larson, War Assets Administrator and Surplus Property Administrator, v. Domestic and Foreign Commerce Corp.337 U.S. 682Jun 27, 1949 · 337 U.S. 682Economic activity6–36–3 band
  155. United States v. Wittek337 U.S. 346Jun 13, 1949 · 337 U.S. 346Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  156. Brooks v. United States337 U.S. 49May 16, 1949 · 337 U.S. 49Economic activity7–27–2 band
  157. Farrell v. United States et al.336 U.S. 511Apr 4, 1949 · 336 U.S. 511Economic activity5–45–4 band
  158. Priebe & Sons, Inc. v. United States332 U.S. 407Nov 17, 1947 · 332 U.S. 407Economic activity5–45–4 band
  159. Federal Crop Insurance Corp. v. Merrill et al., Doing Business As Merrill Bros.332 U.S. 380Nov 10, 1947 · 332 U.S. 380Economic activity5–45–4 band
  160. United States v. Munsey Trust Co., Receiver332 U.S. 234Jun 23, 1947 · 332 U.S. 234Economic activity7–18–1 band
  161. United States v. N. Y. Rayon Importing Co., Inc. (#2) et al.329 U.S. 654Feb 3, 1947 · 329 U.S. 654Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  162. United States v. Thayer-West Point Hotel Co.329 U.S. 585Jan 20, 1947 · 329 U.S. 585Economic activity9–0Unanimous band
  163. United States v. Howard P. Foley Co., Inc.329 U.S. 64Nov 25, 1946 · 329 U.S. 64Economic activity6–36–3 band
Data notes

Every other orally argued case with a clear vote, from the 1946 term on, that the Supreme Court Database files under the same issue as this one. The database gives each case one issue from a list of about 270 (abortion, search and seizure of vehicles, the death penalty, and so on), whatever law it turned on.

Report a correction

Official record

Read the full opinion on Justia, the argument audio on Oyez and Wikipedia. Case data from the Supreme Court Database, Version 2026 Release 01, through the 2025 term.