Crisonino v. New York City Housing Authority

If you are being watched, leave now!

Concerned the right to sue for civil remedies under VAWA and the constitutional power of Congress to enact VAWA.

Full Case Title: 

Crisonino v. New York City Housing Authority, 985 F. Supp. 385 (S.D.N.Y. 1997)
  • Fairness in the Courts
  • Violence Against Women and Girls

Year: 

1997
  • Authored Amicus Brief

Brief: 

Legal Momentum filed an amicus brief in this Violence Against Women Act ("VAWA") civil rights remedy case based on a supervisor's assault and discriminatory epithets directed at a woman who worked for him. The brief, which was joined by eight other sexual assault, domestic violence and women's rights groups, argued that Congress constitutionally exercised its authority in enacting the law. The court ruled that the woman had stated a VAWA civil rights remedy claim and upheld the law as constitutional.

Case Outcome

The case subsequently settled. The United States Supreme Court later ruled in United States v. Morrison that, contrary to the decision in this case, the civil rights remedy is unconstitutional.