Perdue v. Kenny A., by His Next Friend Winn

Summary

The Court held that attorney fee enhancements under § 1988 are permitted only in extraordinary circumstances where specific evidence proves the lodestar is insufficient to attract competent counsel. It reversed the lower court's 75% enhancement due to lack of objective justification, maintaining the strong presumption that the lodestar is reasonable. Justices Kennedy and Thomas concurred in the judgment, while Justice Breyer concurred in part and dissented in part.