A Decision with Far-Reaching Impact
This ruling reinforces the federal judiciary’s authority over state courts when civil rights violations are alleged. It extends the Supreme Court’s previous stance on exhaustion requirements, further limiting states’ ability to delay federal claims through procedural mandates.
Legal experts say the decision sets a precedent that could affect other states attempting to place administrative hurdles before litigants pursuing federal rights violations.
Legal Teams & Case Details
Williams and the other claimants were represented by Jenner & Block LLP, Legal Services Alabama, and the University of Chicago Law School’s Jenner & Block Supreme Court and Appellate Clinic.
Washington was represented by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
The case, Williams et al. v. Washington, case number 23-191, now returns to lower courts, where the plaintiffs will proceed with their federal civil rights claims—this time, without state-mandated delays standing in their way.
