Babb v. Wilkie

Summary

The Supreme Court held that the federal‑sector provision of the ADEA imposes liability whenever age is a factor in a personnel action, without requiring proof that age was a but‑for cause of the ultimate employment decision. However, to obtain reinstatement, back‑pay, or compensatory damages the plaintiff must show that age was a but‑for cause of the result. The Court reversed the Eleventh Circuit and remanded for further proceedings.