Steven Lefemine v. Wideman
In brief
The Supreme Court wiped out the Fourth Circuit’s ruling and sent Lefemine’s case back for more proceedings.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 9-0 · November 5, 2012 · Per curiam
- What it’s about
- Steven Lefemine sought attorney fees after a court order protected his demonstrations from police interference, although he received no money damages.
- Who it affects
- The Fourth Circuit’s ruling no longer stands, and Lefemine’s fee claim returns there; the Supreme Court’s order does not itself award him money.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, wiped out the Fourth Circuit’s ruling (vacated it), and sent the case back for further proceedings (remanded).
The dispute asked whether getting a permanent injunction without money damages can make someone eligible for attorney fees under the Civil Rights Attorney Fees Act.
Question presented
Is a party a "prevailing party" under the Civil Rights Attorney Fees Act when they secure a permanent injunction against the opposing party, but no money damages?
What the Court decided
Holding
Accordingly, the petition for certiorari is granted, the judgment of the Fourth Circuit is vacated, and the case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
- Result
- Vacated
The vote
What's next
The case returns to the Fourth Circuit for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court’s opinion.
Documents
Opinions
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
Case data updated: summary, question_presented, generation_metadata
Case data updated: question_presented, extraction_metadata
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Case data updated: title, status, lower_court, opinion_date
Opinion added: Lefemine
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.