Document: Cite as: 577 U. S. ____ (2016) 1 Per Curiam SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES MELENE JAMES v. CITY BOISE, IDAHO, ET AL. ON PETITION FOR WRIT CERTIORARI TO IDAHO No. 15–493. Decided January 25, 2016 PER CURIAM. Under federal law, a court has discretion to “allow the prevailing party, other than United States, reason- able attorney’s fee” in civil rights lawsuit filed under 42 U.S. C. §1983. §1988. In Hughes Rowe, 449 5 (1980) (per curiam), this Court interpreted §1988 permit defendant such suit recover fees only if “the plaintiff ’s action was frivolous, unreason- able, or without foundation.” Id., at 14 (quoting Chris- tiansburg Garment Co. EEOC, 434 412, 421 (1978) (internal quotation marks omitted)). decision below, Idaho Supreme con- cluded that it not bound by Court’s interpretation of Hughes. According court, “[a]lthough may have authority limit lower courts, does state courts where limitation is contained statute.” 158 713, 734, 351 P.3d 1171, 1192 (2015). The then pro- ceeded award first determining unreasonable, founda- tion.” court’s fee rested solely on its interpreta- tion law; explicitly refused law. 734–735, P. 3d, 1192– 1193. We grant certiorari, and now reverse. Section 1988 statute. “It responsibility say what [federal] statute means, once spoken, duty 2 BOISE respect understanding governing rule law.” Nitro-Lift Technologies, L. Howard, 568 ___, ___ (2012) curiam) (slip op., 5) Rivers Roadway Express, Inc., 511 298, 312 (1994) And for good reason. As Jus- tice Story explained 200 years ago, were permitted disregard rulings laws, treaties, constitution States would be different states, might, perhaps, never precisely same construction, obligation, efficacy, any two states. public mis- chiefs attend things truly deplorable.” Martin Hunter’s Lessee, Wheat. 304, 348 (1816). Court, like fed- eral erred concluding otherwise. judgment reversed, case remanded further proceedings inconsistent with opinion. It so ordered.

Category: 5