Opinion ID: 2976947
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: analysis

Text: After Bazzetta II, Plaintiffs moved for attorney’s fees under § 1988, which allows a district court in its discretion, “[i]n any action to enforce a provision of” section 1983 to award “the prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs.” 42 U.S.C. § 1988 (2008); Texas State Teachers Ass’n v. Garland Independent School District, 489 U.S. 782, 788 (1989) (“Garland”). Congress intended that courts use § 1988 to award attorney’s fees “only when a party has prevailed on the merits.” Hanrahan v. Hampton, 446 U.S. 754, 758 (1980)