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Supreme Court Unanimously Reverses Estoppel Bar, Calls for Doctrine Review

6/11/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously reversed the Fifth Circuit, holding that the bankruptcy plaintiff’s undisclosed claim is not barred by judicial estoppel.
Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson urged a review of the 19th-century doctrine and said courts must apply it flexibly.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that rigid application of the doctrine could punish honest mistakes.

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Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously reversed the Fifth Circuit, holding that the bankruptcy plaintiff’s undisclosed claim is not barred by judicial estoppel.
Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson urged a review of the 19th-century doctrine and said courts must apply it flexibly.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that rigid application of the doctrine could punish honest mistakes.