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New Civil Liability For Corporations: The Seventh Circuit Takes A Stand On The Alien Tort Statute, Xiomara C. Angulo

Seventh Circuit Review

Many Americans may be surprised to learn that because of the Alien Tort Statute (ATS), federal courts are open to foreign plaintiffs who may bring claims against non-immune public officials for violations of international law. Recent litigation in the field has hit a speed bump, however, and the multi-million dollar question is whether the ATS covers corporations. The circuit courts of appeals are split on the issue. The Seventh Circuit ruled in Flomo v. Firestone National Rubber Co. that the ATS does apply to corporations that commit violations of international law. In reaching this conclusion, the Seventh Circuit rejected the …