Courthouse Steps Oral Argument: Galette v. New Jersey Transit Corporation

In August 2018, Cedric Galette sustained injuries when his stopped vehicle was struck by a New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) bus. Galette filed a negligence lawsuit in Pennsylvania state court against both the driver, Julie McCrey, and NJ Transit.

NJ Transit asserted that it is an arm of the State of New Jersey and, as such, is protected from private suit in Pennsylvania under the doctrine of interstate sovereign immunity. The trial court initially denied NJ Transit’s motion to dismiss, and the Pennsylvania Superior Court upheld this decision. However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ultimately reversed, ruling that NJ Transit qualifies as an arm of the state and is entitled to interstate sovereign immunity. The case has now been brought before the Supreme Court, and oral argument is set for January 14.

Join us for a post-oral argument Courthouse Steps program where we will break down and analyze how this oral argument went before the Court.

Featuring: 

• Prof. William Baude, Harry Kalven, Jr. Professor of Law & Faculty Director, Constitutional Law Institute, University of Chicago Law School
• Ryan D. Walters, Deputy Attorney General, Legal Strategy, Texas
• (Moderator) Philip D. Williamson, Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.