Fuld v. Palestine Liberation Organization

Issues

Does the Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act (PSJVTA) allow federal courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority consistent with the Fifth Amendment?

The Supreme Court will consider whether the personal jurisdiction subsection of the Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act (PSJVTA) violates the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Fuld argues that early laws like the Judiciary Act of 1789 show that Congress can give courts the ability to adjudicate extraterritorial conduct. The Palestine Liberation Organization (“PLO”) and the Palestinian Authority (“PA”) argue the Fifth Amendment only allows courts to exercise jurisdiction over foreigners with a presence in the U.S. and that early statutes required physical control over people or property within the U.S. as a prerequisite to jurisdiction. Fuld asserts that the PSJVTA’s clear notice makes the PLO’s conduct a manifestation of consent to jurisdiction. The PLO contends that consent requires a voluntary act, and that the PSJVTA lacks U.S. nexus and fair notice, violating due process. The outcome of this case will likely determine whether Fuld can recover, as well as frame the future of personal jurisdiction for terrorism in foreign countries. 

Questions as Framed for the Court by the Parties

Whether the Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act violates the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 1992 (“ATA”) allows Americans to sue a person who aids and abets or conspires to commit an act of international terrorism. Fuld v.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Professor Michael Dorf for his insights and comments in writing this article.

Additional Resources

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Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc., et al., v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission, et al.

Issues

Does Wisconsin violate the First Amendment’s religion clauses by denying a religious organization a tax exemption available under the state’s unemployment compensation system to organizations that are church-controlled and operated for primarily religious purposes?

This case asks the Court to determine whether Wisconsin violates the Constitution’s First Amendment by denying a particular religious organization a tax exemption under Wisconsin’s unemployment compensation system. Catholic Charities argues that the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s interpretation and application of the statute to deny the organization an exemption violates the First Amendment’s Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. Specifically, Catholic Charities argues that the court’s decision violates the church’s autonomy, entangles the state in religious matters, and discriminates among religions for their church organizational structure and their distinct religious beliefs and practices. Wisconsin, on the other hand, maintains that the exemption and its interpretation effectuate no constitutional violations. Wisconsin argues that the exemption and the court’s interpretation do not infringe on the church’s autonomy, do not cause the state to become excessively entangled in religion, and do not discriminate among religions. This case directly calls for a balancing of church and state interests while also having implications for both charities and unemployment insurance on a large scale.

Questions as Framed for the Court by the Parties

Whether a state violates the First Amendment’s religion clauses by denying a religious organization an otherwise-available tax exemption because the organization does not meet the state’s criteria for religious behavior. 

In 1932, Wisconsin passed the nation’s first unemployment compensation statute, Wisconsin Statute § 108.02(15). Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. State at 16. The statute implemented unemployment compensation coverage for unemployed workers.

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Gesetz über die Änderung von Vornamen und die Feststellung des Geschlechts in besonderen Fällen (Transsexuellengesetz - TSG) - 1. Januar 1981 (first name and gender marker changes) Repealed and replaced November 2024

Law on changing first names and determining gender in special cases (Transsexuellengesetz – TSG) - entered into force on January 1, 1981. Repealed and replaced November 2024

§ 36 & § 52 Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbHG) – in Kraft getreten am 12. August 2021 (quota for women in management)

Section 36 and 52 German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung - GmbHG) - entered into force on August 12, 2021. Amended on October 23, 2024.

§ 219a Strafgesetzbuch (StGB) Weggefallen (repealed restrictions on promoting abortions in medical facilities)

Section 219a German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB) Repealed

With effect to July 11, 2022, Section 219a of the German Criminal Code prohibiting the promoting of abortions in medical facilities was repealed without replacement by the legislator. Accordingly, doctors can now refer to the offer of an abortion in their practice.

§ 1830 Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – in Kraft getreten am 1. Januar 2023 (requirements of sterilization)

Section 1830 of the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch – BGB), which entered into force on January 1, 2023, regulates the requirements for the sterilization of a person of legal age who is under the care of a guardian. The guardian can only consent to sterilization under very strict conditions.

§ 1631c Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – in Kraft getreten am 1. Januar 2023 (on sterilization of minors)

Section 1631c German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch – BGB) - entered into force on January 1, 2023

Section 1631c of the German Civil Code states that the sterilization of minors is prohibited in Germany. The parents cannot consent to this either.

Nach § 1631c des Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuchs ist die Sterilisation von Minderjährigen in Deutschland verboten. Auch die Eltern können dem nicht zustimmen.

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