The Family and Medical Leave Act: Background and U.S. Supreme Court Cases

Publication Date: March 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Law and ethics

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Abstract:

This report provides background on the eligibility and notification requirements for taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act ("FMLA"). The FMLA guarantees eligible employees 12 workweeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child; for the placement of a foster child; for the care of a spouse, child, or parent suffering from a serious health condition; or for a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the employee's position. Since the FMLA's enactment in 1993, the U.S. Supreme Court has considered two cases involving the statute. Ragsdale v. Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and Nevada Department of Human Resources v. Hibbs are discussed in this report. The report will be updated in response to the FMLA's amendment and relevant Supreme Court cases.