Verlinden B. V. v. Central Bank of Nigeria (1982)
- Docket
- 81-920
- Decided
- 1982-01-01
Summary
Question: Does Article III of the Constitution preclude Congress from granting jurisdiction to United States District Courts over a suit against a foreign sovereign by a foreign corporation, asserting claims having a substantial connection with the United States? Conclusion: No. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, writing for a unanimous court, reversed and remanded. The Supreme Court held that the FSIA does not violate Article III. The FSIA was a valid exercise of Congress’ power to regulate foreign commerce. On remand, the court of appeals should consider whether Central Bank is entitled to sovereign immunity.