Cisco Systems, Inc., et al., Petitioners v. Doe I, et al.

The Supreme Court said the Alien Tort Statute is a jurisdictional law that creates no new causes of action, cutting off this effort to use it for an aiding-and-abetting claim against Cisco. The case arose from allegations that Cisco helped Chinese authorities persecute Falun Gong practitioners.

That makes it harder for people alleging overseas human rights abuses to sue companies in U.S. courts under the Alien Tort Statute. For example, plaintiffs who say a tech company helped a foreign government carry out repression may need a different legal path.

Lower courts must now apply the Court's reading of the Alien Tort Statute in this case and similar lawsuits. Plaintiffs and defendants will next fight over whether any other claims remain available under other laws.

The case asked whether the Alien Tort Statute or Torture Victim Protection Act lets courts recognize aiding-and-abetting claims. Plaintiffs say Cisco helped Chinese authorities target Falun Gong practitioners.

People suing companies for overseas human rights abuses face a steeper path under the Alien Tort Statute. Businesses accused of assisting foreign governments gain stronger defenses.

Lower courts must apply the Court's reading of the Alien Tort Statute in this and similar cases. The parties will now test whether any other claims remain.