The Supreme Court held that municipalities could be sued in federal court for policies that allegedly violate constitutional rights.

By a 7-2 vote, the Supreme Court upheld the right of plaintiffs to pursue civil suits challenging New York City’s policy of requiring pregnant female employees to take medically unnecessary leaves. The Court’s decision involved an interpretation of Title 42, section 1983, of the U.S. Code and overturned a major part of Monroe v. Pape[case]Monroe v. Pape[Monroe v. Pape] (1961). Municipalities were relieved to learn that the Monell decision limited their liability to damages relating to official policy and did not hold them liable for the illegal acts of their employees.Liability of local governments;Monell v. Department of Social Services[Monell v. Department of Social Services]

Employment discrimination

Federalism

Pregnancy, disability, and maternity leaves