Number: RL30463
Title: CONSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF QUI TAM ACTIONS: BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS OF ISSUES IN VERMONT AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES V. UNITED STATES EX REL. STEVENS
Authors: T.J. Halstead, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report discusses Vermont Agency of Natural Resources v. United States ex rel. Stevens, where the Court of appeals for the Second Circuit held that states are persons under the False Claims Act, and may be sued by private realtors in instances where the federal government chooses not to intervene. The decision, while based on historically accepted legal principles governing qui tam actions, raises significant questions in both the constitutional and statutory interpretation contexts. Given the importance of these questions as they relate to state liability under the False Claims Act, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in Stevens, with a decision expected this term. This report provides an overview of the Second Circuit's decision, with an emphasis on factors which are likely to be considered in the supreme Court's analysis.
Pages: 16
Date: Updated March 8, 2000