Alien Tort Statute

The Alien Tort Statute (ATS) is a U.S. law enacted in 1789 that allows non-U.S. citizens to sue in U.S. federal courts for violations of international law, such as human rights abuses. It enables individuals to seek justice for serious offenses like torture, genocide, or violations of the law of nations, even if these actions occurred outside the U.S. The statute has been used in cases against corporations and governments, making it a significant tool for holding offenders accountable when victims may lack legal remedies in their home countries.