Thomas Robins sued www.spokeo.com in California federal court for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Not a Gentlemen or a Scholar
Robins claimed the website falsely reported that he was a wealthy college graduate, when in fact, he was not.
The trial court judge dismissed Robins' lawsuit because he hadn't suffered any real injury.
Ninth Circuit Reverses Dismissal
The Court of Appeals held that under FCRA, an alleged wilful violation meets the Constitution's 'injury-in-fact' standing requirement.
What is "Standing"?
As a general rule, a federal lawsuit must be dismissed unless a consumer adequately alleges "standing."
Article III standing generally requires a consumer allege a concrete injury, caused by a defendant, that a court can make right with a favorable ruling.
Commentary
Great class representative. Unemployed. Uneducated. Litigious.
Very relatable. Reminds me of the impotent guy who wanted to sue his ex for saying he was good in bed.
The Court's holding was fairly unremarkable. The Sixth and Seventh circuits share similar holdings about the injury-in-fact requirement in the FCRA context.
Those of us hoping the Ninth Circuit would further expand the ever-relevant 'rule-of-the-case' doctrine will have to wait for another day.
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