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

This case asked whether Cisco could be sued under federal laws for aiding and abetting (helping wrongdoing). Plaintiffs said Cisco helped China persecute Falun Gong practitioners using surveillance technology. The Court held that neither law creates an implied aiding-and-abetting lawsuit.

Foreign nationals alleging human rights abuses, including Falun Gong practitioners, are directly affected by this ruling. The Court said the ATS (a law giving courts power to hear cases) creates no new claims. For example, plaintiffs said Cisco helped China identify and apprehend Falun Gong practitioners. That also blocks TVPA (a torture law) claims against people accused of helping others commit torture. Future plaintiffs must rely on remedies Congress expressly authorizes.

Not official Court text.