Lefemine v. Wideman (2012)
- Docket
- 12-168
- Decided
- 2012-01-01
Summary
Question: Is a party a "prevailing party" under the Civil Rights Attorney Fees Act when they secure a permanent injunction against the opposing party, but no money damages? Conclusion: Yes. In a per curiam opinion, the Supreme Court reversed the Fourth Circuit and remanded. The Court held that Lefemine was the prevailing party so attorney fees could be awarded. The injunction changed the legal relationship between the parties by removing the threat of police action during protests. The Court noted that special circumstances may still prevent the award of attorney fees, but that is an issue for consideration on remand.