Supreme Court of the United States
Spector v. Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd.
June 6, 2005545 U.S. 119
Summary
The Court reversed the Fifth Circuit, holding that Title III of the ADA applies to foreign-flag cruise ships in U.S. waters unless a clear statement of congressional intent is required to avoid interference with internal affairs. The plurality rejected a blanket presumption of inapplicability, reasoning that Title III's limitations avoid conflicts with international law. Justice Scalia dissented, arguing that structural modifications affect internal order and thus require a clear statement before application.