The question
Whether civil RICO categorically bars recovery for business or property losses that derive from a personal injury.
Medical Marijuana, Inc. v. Horn
What the Court decided
The Court held that a civil RICO plaintiff may recover treble damages for business or property loss even when that loss results from a personal injury. Section 1964(c) limits the kinds of harm a plaintiff can recover for, business or property harm rather than personal harm, but it does not bar recovery based on the cause of that harm. A plaintiff whose business or property is damaged may sue regardless of whether the damage flowed from a personal injury.
How the justices split
5-4The Court's opinion
Barrett, joined by Sotomayor, Kagan, Gorsuch, Jackson
Section 1964(c) authorizes suit for any person injured in his business or property. The ordinary meaning of injured is harmed or damaged, so a plaintiff whose business or property is harmed may recover. The business or property requirement restricts the kinds of harm that are recoverable and excludes recovery for harm to one's person, but it does not restrict the cause of the harm. A plaintiff may therefore seek damages for business or property loss regardless of whether that loss resulted from a personal injury. The Court did not decide whether consuming THC was a personal injury, whether business covers all aspects of employment, or the meaning of injured in his property.
Concurring
Jackson, writing alone
Jackson filed a concurring opinion. The syllabus records its filing but does not state its reasoning.
Dissenting
Thomas, writing alone
Thomas filed a dissenting opinion. The syllabus records its filing but does not state its reasoning.
Dissenting
Kavanaugh, joined by Roberts, Alito
Kavanaugh filed a dissenting opinion joined by Roberts and Alito. The syllabus records its filing but does not state its reasoning.
How we know · 5 sourced claims
The Court held that under civil RICO, Section 1964(c), a plaintiff may seek treble damages for business or property loss even if the loss resulted from a personal injury.
Source: syllabus, Held
The sole question before the Court was whether civil RICO categorically bars recovery for business or property losses that derive from a personal injury.
Source: syllabus, Held
The Court did not decide whether Horn suffered a personal injury when he consumed THC, whether business encompasses all aspects of employment, or the meaning of injured in his property.
Source: syllabus, Held
Barrett delivered the opinion of the Court, joined by Sotomayor, Kagan, Gorsuch, and Jackson.
Source: syllabus, lineup
Kavanaugh filed a dissenting opinion in which Roberts and Alito joined, and Thomas filed a separate dissenting opinion.
Source: syllabus, lineup