Story perspectives

2nd Circuit Hears Saudi 9/11 JASTA Lawsuit Arguments

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 5:42 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on a Saudi Arabia lawsuit over 9/11.
Saudi counsel claimed sovereign immunity under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.
Families cited an August 2025 district-court decision that let the suit proceed under JASTA.
Judges questioned jurisdiction and placed the case under advisement without ruling.
If upheld, the lawsuit could go to trial as early as next year.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that families of the 270-person Lockerbie bombing could sue Libya under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, paving the way for a $2.7 billion judgment. The decision followed UN Security Council Resolution 748, which imposed sanctions on Libya that year. The 2nd Circuit weighs Saudi Arabia’s claim of immunity under the 2016 Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, echoing the 1992 precedent.

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Story summary

The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on a Saudi Arabia lawsuit over 9/11.
Saudi counsel claimed sovereign immunity under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.
Families cited an August 2025 district-court decision that let the suit proceed under JASTA.
Judges questioned jurisdiction and placed the case under advisement without ruling.
If upheld, the lawsuit could go to trial as early as next year.

1 / 2