Supreme Court to Decide If States Can Avoid Plaintiff Attorney Fees

States say they need ‘clear and predictable rules’ but civil rights groups say not requiring payment leads to abuse.

The Supreme Court, in Washington, on April 25, 2024. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

The Supreme Court recently granted Virginia’s request to consider whether a plaintiff who wins a preliminary injunction but fails to secure a final judgment is entitled to be awarded attorney’s fees.

If the court ends up ruling against Virginia, it could be a boost for citizens suing governments in civil rights actions.