Case Info: Martin v. United States | Case No. 24-362 | Date Argued: 4/29/25

Link to Docket: Here.

Background:

Petitioners are the innocent victims of a wrong-house raid conducted by an FBI SWAT team in Atlanta, Georgia. Seeking a remedy for torts committed against them, Petitioners brought a cause of action against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act. In its opinion below, the Eleventh Circuit held that all of Petitioners' FTCA claims are barred by sovereign immunity supplied either through the Constitution's Supremacy Clause or the FTCA's discretionary-function exception. In one or more ways, the opinion below conflicts with decisions from every other circuit.

Questions Presented:

1. Whether the Constitution's Supremacy Clause bars claims under the FTCA-a federal statute enacted by Congress-when the negligent or wrongful acts of federal employees have some nexus with furthering federal policy and can reasonably be characterized as complying with the full range of federal law.
2. Whether the FTCA's discretionary-function exception bars claims for torts arising from wrong-house raids and similar negligent or wrongful acts by federal employees.

Oral Advocates:

• For Petitioners: Patrick M. Jaicomo
• For Respondents: Frederick Liu, Assistant to the Solicitor General
• For Court-Appointed Amicus Curiae in Support of Judgment Below on Question 1: Christopher E. Mills

Website Link to Opinion Summary: Here.

Apple Podcast Link to Opinion Summary: Here.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:05 Petitioner Opening Statement Begins

02:11 Petitioner Free for All Questions Begin

21:58 Petitioner Sequential Questions Begin

22:06 Petitioner Questions End, Respondent Opening Statement Begins

23:53 Respondent Free for All Questions Begin

37:10 Respondent Sequential Questions Begin

39:31 Respondent Questions End, Court Appointed Amicus Curiae Opening Statement Begins

40:33 Court Appointed Amicus Curiae Free for All Questions Begin

46:45 Court Appointed Amicus Curiae Sequential Questions Begin

46:51 Petitioner Rebuttal Begins