Supreme Court Bars New ATS Causes of Action in Cisco v. Doe
Multinational corporations face reduced exposure to U.S. human-rights suits after the Court closes the door on judicially created ATS claims.
In Cisco Systems, Inc. v. Doe, the Supreme Court held that federal courts lack authority to recognize new causes of action under the Alien Tort Statute. The ruling narrows a doctrine that for decades allowed foreign nationals to pursue U.S. defendants in American courts for alleged international-law violations, including aiding-and-abetting claims common against multinationals. While the decision curtails future ATS litigation, it leaves open questions about the scope of conduct still actionable and the viability of related state-law theories. Companies with overseas operations or supply chains should reassess pending and potential exposure, coordinate with counsel on remaining claims, and monitor lower-court applications that will shape the decision's practical reach.