PLF appeals sea otter dismissal

September 22, 2014 | By JONATHAN WOOD

PLF has filed its opening brief in the Ninth Circuit challenging the dismissal of a challenge brought by Southern California fishermen against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to violate federal law by terminating protections for them and their fishery guaranteed by Congress. The trial court dismissed the case, accepting the government’s argument that its decision to violate Congress’ directive can’t be challenged because the Service has previously violated the law. As our brief explains, two wrongs don’t give the government the right to violate the law unscrutinized. Congress has specifically provided all of us a right to challenge the illegal actions of bureaucrats. The fact that they may have gotten away with violating the law in the past is no defense.

To learn more about the case, check out our case page and video.