Case: Damon Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety, et al., No. 23-1197
Lower Court: Fifth Circuit
Docketed: 2024-05-07
Status: Granted
Question Presented: The question presented is whether an individual may sue a government official in his individual capacity for damages for violations of RLUIPA.
The Court heard oral argument on November 10, 2025, in Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections, with argument divided between petitioner’s counsel Zachary D. Tripp and the federal government. The Court granted the government’s motion for divided argument.
The case concerns whether an individual may sue a government official in his individual capacity for damages for violations of RLUIPA. The core legal dispute turns on statutory interpretation intersecting with Spending Clause doctrine.
The 37 amicus briefs filed in this case, tracked on the Supreme Court docket, reflect the breadth of interest from religious liberty organizations, law enforcement groups, and civil rights advocates. The National Sheriffs’ Association filed in support of respondents, underscoring the practical stakes for corrections officials nationwide.
Observers following this case at SCOTUSBlog should watch how the Court resolves the question of individual-capacity damages under RLUIPA.