Number: RL34450
Title: Can the President Compel Domestic Enforcement of an International Tribunal's Judgment? Overview of Supreme Court Decision in Medellin v. Texas
Authors: Michael John Garcia, American Law Division 
Abstract: On March 25, 2008, the Supreme Court issued a decision in the case of Medellín v. Texas. In an opinion written by Chief Justice Roberts and joined by Justices Alito, Kennedy, Thomas, and Scalia, the Court held that neither the judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Case Concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States)  (Avena) nor the President's Memorandum requiring state courts to give effect to the Avena decision constituted enforceable federal law preempting state procedural default rules. Justice Stevens wrote an opinion concurring with the Court's judgment, and Justice Breyer issued a dissenting opinion that was joined by Justices Ginsburg and Souter.
Pages: 10
Date: April 10, 2008