Harlow v. Fitzgerald
United States Supreme Court
457 U.S. 800 (1982)
- Written by Josh Lee, JD
Facts
A. Ernest Fitzgerald (plaintiff) worked in the United States Department of the Air Force. Fitzgerald testified to a congressional committee regarding problems and cost overruns on the C-5A cargo plane. Fitzgerald’s testimony was embarrassing to the Department of Defense, and a memo outlined a way to discharge Fitzgerald despite his civil-service protection. Approximately one year later, the executive administration under President Richard Nixon carried out a reduction in force that eliminated Fitzgerald’s position. Fitzgerald sued Nixon and two senior White House aides, Bryce Harlow and Alexander Butterfield (defendants), for conspiracy to violate his statutory and constitutional rights. Nixon, Butterfield, and Harlow moved for summary judgment, arguing that they were immune from liability. The district court denied the motion, and Butterfield and Harlow appealed. The court of appeals dismissed the appeal, but the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Powell, J.)
Concurrence (Brennan, J.)
Dissent (Burger, C.J.)
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