U.S. Supreme Court lets Flint, Michigan residents sue over water contamination

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday let residents of Flint, Michigan pursue a civil rights lawsuit against the city and government officials that accused them of knowingly allowing the city’s water supply to become contaminated with lead.

The justices turned away two appeals by the city and the state and local officials of a lower court ruling that allowed the lawsuit to move forward. The lower court rejected a demand for immunity by the officials, finding that they violated the residents’ right to “bodily integrity” under the U.S. Constitution by providing the tainted water after switching water sources in a cost-cutting move in 2014.

The justices’ action comes as similar class-action cases are currently on appeal at the Cincinnati, Ohio-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Flint switched its public water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to reduce costs during a financial crisis. The corrosive river water caused lead to leach from pipes.

-snip-

SUPREME COURT JANUARY 21, 2020 / 9:48 AM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO
Andrew Chung
3 MIN READ


Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-flint/u-s-supreme-court-lets-flint-michigan-residents-sue-over-water-contamination-idUSKBN1ZK1S5

[sandensea]

1. Hell, it's only been 6 years

Better late than never I guess.

[DeminPennswoods]

2. A little surprising to me

given the court's make up.

[Polybius]

3. Roberts is likely to busy now to wanna be bothered

They might not take a few other cases in this time too.

[B Stieg]

4. Still, Rick Snyder is getting away with murder, literally.

At least 12 dead by his hand.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/flint-water-crisis-deaths-likely-surpass-official-toll/

[NutmegYankee]

5. We'll see if that bodily integrity thing holds up when abortion comes up.

It’s obvious it’s covered but the chance to set women as permanent second class citizens is a major Republican goal.