Patchak v. Zinke
In brief
The Supreme Court agreed with the D.C. Circuit and left its ruling in place.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 6-3 · February 27, 2018 · Opinion by Justice Breyer
- What it’s about
- David Patchak challenged the Interior Department’s authority to place the Bradley Property in trust, and Congress later ordered courts to dismiss lawsuits related to that property. The Supreme Court agreed with the D.C.
- Who it affects
- The D.C. Circuit's ruling remains in place in Patchak's lawsuit involving the Bradley Property.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
Circuit (affirmed its ruling).
Patchak challenged the Interior Department’s authority to take the Bradley Property into trust. Congress later directed courts to dismiss lawsuits related to that property.
The dispute arose after Patchak challenged the Interior Department's authority to place the Bradley Property in trust and Congress ordered courts to dismiss related lawsuits.
Question presented
Does a statute directing the federal courts to "promptly dismiss” a pending lawsuit following substantive determinations by the courts (including this Court's determination that the "suit may proceed")-without amending underlying substantive or procedural laws-violate the Constitution’s separation of powers principles?
What the Court decided
Holding
Adjudged to be AFFIRMED. Thomas, J., announced the judgment of the Court and delivered an opinion , in which Breyer, Alito, and Kagan, JJ., joined. Breyer, J., filed a concurring opinion. Ginsburg, J., filed an opinion concurring in the judgment, in which Sotomayor, J., joined. Sotomayor, J., filed an opinion concurring in the judgment. Roberts, C. J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which Kennedy and Gorsuch, JJ., joined.
- Result
- Affirmed
The vote
- Joined the judgment
- Concurred in a separate opinion
- Dissented
- Wrote an opinion
- Concurring · 2agreed with the result, wrote separately
- Ginsburgwrote separately
- Sotomayorwrote separately
What's next
The Supreme Court has finished its review, and the D.C. Circuit's ruling remains in place.
Documents
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
Show 3 moreShow fewer
Opinion added: Patchak
Opinion added: opinion
Brief added: Questions Presented
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.