H.R.1526 - No Rogue Rulings Act of 2025; NORRA of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1526, the "No Rogue Rulings Act of 2025," aims to amend Title 28 of the United States Code to limit the authority of district courts to issue injunctive relief. The bill restricts district courts from issuing injunctions that apply beyond the parties directly involved in the case, with an exception for cases brought by two or more states from different circuits challenging executive branch actions. These cases would be referred to a three-judge panel.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.1526 would significantly curtail the power of district courts to issue nationwide injunctions. This could lead to a more fragmented legal landscape, where the application of laws varies across different jurisdictions. The exception for multi-state lawsuits against the executive branch introduces a specific mechanism for handling such challenges.
Potential Benefits
- Limits the scope of district court injunctions, potentially preventing single judges from setting national policy.
- Introduces a three-judge panel for cases involving multiple states challenging the executive branch, ensuring broader consideration.
- Could reduce forum shopping, where parties seek out favorable jurisdictions for litigation.
- May lead to more tailored legal remedies that are specific to the parties involved in a case.
- Potentially reinforces the separation of powers by limiting judicial overreach.
Potential Disadvantages
- May delay or complicate the resolution of legal challenges to executive branch actions.
- Could lead to inconsistent application of laws across different states, creating confusion and uncertainty.
- Limits the ability of district courts to provide broad relief in cases with widespread impact.
- The three-judge panel process could be more cumbersome and time-consuming than traditional litigation.
- May disproportionately affect cases involving civil rights or environmental protection, where nationwide injunctions have been used to enforce broad compliance.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's attempt to limit the power of district courts raises questions related to the balance of power between the judicial and executive branches, as well as the role of the judiciary in protecting individual rights. Article III of the Constitution vests judicial power in the Supreme Court and inferior courts established by Congress. The extent to which Congress can limit the equitable powers of these courts is a subject of ongoing debate. The bill also touches upon principles of federalism, as it affects the ability of states to challenge federal actions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).