Supreme Court to hear Cisco's appeal in Falun Gong lawsuit

The Supreme Court agreed to take up Cisco's appeal in a lawsuit alleging the company's technology was used against Falun Gong members in China; oral arguments are set for the spring and a decision is expected by early summer.

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear an appeal from Cisco in a long-running lawsuit brought by members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement who say the company’s technology was used against them in China. Cisco asks the court to rule that it cannot be held liable under two U.S. laws cited in the case. The Trump administration filed a brief urging the justices to take the case. The justices will hear oral arguments in the spring. Key facts: - The Supreme Court accepted review of Cisco's appeal of an appellate ruling that allowed the lawsuit to proceed in U.S. courts. - Plaintiffs say Cisco's technology was used to identify and track Falun Gong members in China; those claims are presented as allegations in the lawsuit. - Cisco argues it is not liable under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) or the Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA). - The Trump administration filed in support of Cisco's request that the high court hear the case. - Oral arguments are scheduled for the spring, and the court's decision is expected by early summer. Summary: The Supreme Court will decide whether the lawsuit may continue in U.S. courts and whether the ATS or TVPA applies to the conduct alleged. Oral arguments are planned for the spring and a ruling is expected by early summer.