Egbert v. Boule
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Egbert v. Boule and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Egbert v. Boule.
The Supreme Court decided that Bivens does not extend to create causes of action for Boule's Fourth Amendment excessive-force claim and First Amendment retaliation claim. The Court emphasized that recognizing a Bivens cause of action is a disfavored judicial activity and noted that Congress is better suited to authorize a damages remedy. The decision reversed the Court of Appeals' ruling, which had allowed Boule's claims to proceed.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Egbert v. Boule.
The Court held that Bivens does not extend to create causes of action for Boule's Fourth Amendment and First Amendment claims.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Egbert v. Boule. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
-
Why Search and Seizure is relevant to Egbert v. Boule
The case involves a Fourth Amendment claim regarding excessive use of force by a federal agent.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Boule then sued Egbert in Federal District Court, alleging a Fourth Amendment violation for excessive use of force.
-
Why Free Speech is relevant to Egbert v. Boule
The case involves a First Amendment claim regarding unlawful retaliation by a federal agent.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Boule then sued Egbert in Federal District Court, alleging...a First Amendment violation for unlawful retaliation.
-
Why Remedies and Relief is relevant to Egbert v. Boule
The Court's decision focuses on whether a Bivens cause of action should be extended to provide a remedy for the alleged constitutional violations.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Held: Bivens does not extend to create causes of action for Boule's Fourth Amendment excessive-force claim and First Amendment retaliation claim.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Egbert v. Boule that support the summary and concepts above.
"Bivens does not extend to create causes of action for Boule's Fourth Amendment excessive-force claim and First Amendment retaliation claim."
"Recognizing a Bivens cause of action is 'a disfavored judicial activity.'"
"Congress is better suited to authorize a damages remedy."
