The Case Overview

The episode examines Hernandez v. Mesa, a significant legal case involving the shooting of Sergio Hernandez, a Mexican teenager, by a U.S. Border Patrol agent while the teen was in Mexico. The primary legal question is whether Hernandez's parents can sue the federal agent in U.S. court for constitutional violations. The Supreme Court’s decision would hinge on the application of the Bivens Doctrine, which allows individuals to sue federal agents for constitutional rights violations, and whether this scenario qualifies as a 'new context.' Thus, the outcome is not just about accountability for the shooting but also addresses broader implications for civil rights and border enforcement policies.