Supreme Court of the United States

Crst Van Expedited, Inc., Petitioner v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

May 19, 2016578 U.S. 419

Summary

The Supreme Court held that a Title VII defendant does not need to obtain a favorable ruling on the merits to be considered a 'prevailing party' eligible for attorney's fees. The Court vacated the Eighth Circuit's decision, reasoning that requiring a merits ruling would undermine the statutory purpose of deterring frivolous suits regardless of how claims are dismissed.

Holding

  • Whether a Title VII defendant must obtain a favorable ruling on the merits to be considered a prevailing party eligible for attorney's fees.. No, a favorable ruling on the merits is not a necessary predicate for a defendant to prevail.

Docket 14–1375.

Cited authorities