Cert Granted In Case Charging Religious Discrimination In Arrest Conditions

Yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Ashcroft v. Iqbal, (Docket No. 07-1015) (Order List). The case involves claims by a Pakistani arrested in New York after the 9-11 attacks, who alleged that harsh conditions of confinement were imposed based on religious and ethnic criteria used to identify "high interest" suspects. The issue before the Supreme Court will be the extent of involvement by high ranking officials such as the Attorney General and the Director of the FBI that is necessary before such supervisors can be held personally liable for unconstitutional acts committed by their subordinates. The New York Times and AP report on the case. The opinion below is Iqbal v. Hasty, (2d Cir., June 14, 2007). Here is the Petition for Certiorari and Petitioner's Reply Brief.