Department of Homeland Security v. MacLean

DISCLAIMER: Our firm's past results do not predict or guarantee future success. Each case is unique. Read more

In Brief

The Supreme Court found that a federal air marshal was protected by the Whistleblower protection act when making public disclosures that the Transportation Safety Administration removed air marshals from certain flights.

What Happened in Court

The Supreme Court ruled that a federal air marshal was entitled to protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act when he disclosed that the government cut costs by eliminating air marshals from certain flights.  While his disclosure may have violated TSA regulations, it was not prohibited by the “specifically prohibited by law” provision of the Whistleblower Protection Act.