Number: RS20641
Title: VERMONT AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES V. UNITED STATES EX REL. STEVENS: THE SUPREME COURT LIMITS FALSE CLAIMS ACTIONS AGAINST STATES
Authors: T.J. Halstead, American Law Division 
Abstract: In Vermont Agency of Natural Resources v. United States ex rel Stevens, the Supreme Court considered whether states are "persons" under the False Claims Act. The Court also addressed the much broader question of whether qui tam relators meet Article III standing requirements. Analyzing the text of the Act as well as the long history of qui tam actions, the Court ruled that while relators do have Article III standing, the False Claims Act does not subject states to liability.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated July 26, 2000