Supremacy Clause Ruling 10-28-25

The Supreme Court already ruled on the Supremacy Clause in 2025 in the case of Martin v. United States on June 12, 2025. The unanimous decision, authored by Justice Gorsuch, held that the Supremacy Clause is not a defense to liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).  Case: Martin v. United States Ruling Date: June 12, 2025  

Outcome: The Court held that the Supremacy Clause does not shield the federal government from liability under the FTCA. The decision allows a family to sue the government for a raid that took place at the wrong house. 

Court: A unanimous decision was issued by the Supreme Court. 

Opinion Author: Justice Gorsuch 

The Supreme Court already issued a ruling on a Supremacy Clause issue in 2025. 

In the case of Martin v. United States, decided on June 12, 2025, the court rejected the idea that the Supremacy Clause gives the federal government a defense against state tort claims brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The court ruled unanimously that federal officials are not shielded by a generalized Supremacy Clause defense when Congress has explicitly bound the government to accept liability under state tort law. 

Background of the Martin case:

The incident: In 2017, FBI agents mistakenly raided a family's home in Florida, damaging property and traumatizing the family.

The lawsuit: The family sued the federal government under the FTCA, which generally allows citizens to sue the government under the same terms as a private individual.

The appellate court: The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals had dismissed the lawsuit, arguing that the Supremacy Clause provided the federal government with immunity from such claims.

The Supreme Court's ruling: The court, in an opinion written by Justice Gorsuch, vacated the lower court's decision. It clarified that when Congress has passed a law like the FTCA that incorporates state law, there is no conflict for the Supremacy Clause to resolve. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=when+will+the+supreme+court+rule+on+the+supremacy+clause+2025

Comments

So, the FBI can be sued for its mistakes according to the Supreme Court.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader