Supreme Court of the United States
General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. v. Cline
February 24, 2004540 U.S. 581
Summary
The Supreme Court held that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) does not prohibit employers from favoring older workers over younger workers who are both protected by the Act (age 40 or older). The Court reasoned that the statutory text, legislative history, and common usage show the ADEA aims to protect older workers from discrimination based on stereotypes associated with age, not to mandate parity in favor of younger workers. Justices Scalia and Thomas dissented, arguing the plain language covers all age discrimination and deference should be given to the EEOC's interpretation.