D.C. Circuit Splits with Second Circuit to Expand the Reach of the Alien Tort Statute

July 15, 2011

In John Doe VIII v. Exxon Mobil Corp., the D.C. Circuit held, inter alia, that aliens may obtain civil redress in U.S. courts against corporations alleged to have aided and abetted conduct violative of the law of nations, even if such conduct occurs on foreign soil.

CGR Memo - D C Circuit Splits with Second Circuit to Expand the Reach of the Alien Tort Statute