Cisco Systems v. Doe I
In brief
Cisco won because the Court said neither statute permits the aiding-and-abetting claims at issue.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 6-3 · June 23, 2026 · Opinion by Justice Barrett
- What it’s about
- The Court ruled 6–3 for Cisco, holding that federal courts cannot create new private claims under the Alien Tort Statute for violations of international law and that the Torture Victim Protection Act does not allow suits based on aiding and abetting torture.
- Who it affects
- People cannot use these two laws to sue a company or other defendant solely for helping someone commit torture or another international-law violation.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Court reversed the Ninth Circuit and sent the case back for further proceedings.
The decision further limits when private parties can use federal courts to seek damages for violations of international law.
Question presented
Does either the Alien Tort Statute or the Torture Victim Protection Act allow a judicially-implied private right of action for aiding and abetting?
What the Court decided
The vote
From the opinions
““Courts may not create new causes of action for violations of international norms under the ATS.””
What's next
The case returns to the Ninth Circuit for further proceedings consistent with the Court's decision. Lower courts must apply the Court's limits to similar claims under these statutes.
Why it matters
For example, a business accused of knowingly assisting abuse cannot face an aiding-and-abetting claim under these statutes.
Docket activity
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More questions
- What did the Supreme Court rule in Cisco v. Doe I?
- The Court ruled that courts cannot create new Alien Tort Statute claims for international-law violations. It also rejected aiding-and-abetting claims under the Torture Victim Protection Act.
- Who is affected by the Cisco v. Doe I decision?
- Companies and other defendants accused of assisting torture or international-law violations gain protection from these specific federal claims. Plaintiffs must rely on other available legal theories.
- What happens next in Cisco v. Doe I?
- The case goes back to the Ninth Circuit for further proceedings. That court must follow the Supreme Court's decision rejecting the claims at issue.
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.