SCOTUS To Review a Whistleblower Case for the First Time

by Sven Magnussen

In 2003, Robert MacLean disclosed proposed Transportation Security Administration operational changes that he believed would have reduced aviation security. He was fired on in 2006 and then claimed whistleblower protections

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturned a MSPB ruling that upheld the termination of Robert MacLean, a former TSA air marshal, and remanded the case back to the MSPB. The federal government has appealed the unanimous U.S.C.A. for the Federal Circuit decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. Neal Katyal, Hogan Lovells U.S. LLP, Washington D.C., briefed the Supreme Court defending Robert MacLean’s rights as a whistleblower.

MSPB Decision, 2009: Robert MacLean
MSPB Final Decision, 2011: Robert MacLean,
U.S.C.A. Federal Circuit, Robert MacLean

SCOTUS Brief of Respondent, Robert MacLean

Office of Special Counsel Files First Amicus Brief with SCOTUS

by Sven Magnussen

Click to read the full Office of Special Counsel Amicus Brief.

A whistleblower discloses information he or she reasonably believes evidences:

• A violation of any law, rule • An abuse of authority or regulation
• A substantial and specific danger
• Gross mismanagement to public health
• A gross waste of funds
• A substantial and specific danger to public safety

To make a disclosure contact:

U.S. OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL
1730 M STREET, N.W., SUITE 218
WASHINGTON, DC 20036-4505
PHONE: (202) 254-3640 TOLL FREE: 1-800-572-2249
*Hearing and Speech Disabled: Federal Relay Service 1-800-877-8339
Click here to view the Office of Special Counsel's website.