Two U.S. cases seek to sue corporations for actions abroad . The justices are being asked to sort out whether laws intended for individuals apply . Justice Alito : ` ` There 's no connection to the United States whatsoever '' in these lawsuits . The Ogoni 9 -- as the key leaders became known -- were allegedly detained , tortured , and tried by a special Nigerian military tribunal , in violation of international human rights treaties . They're about foreign companies that have done business with American citizens, and they want damages from those people who were harmed by their conduct.'
Two U.S. cases seek to sue corporations for actions abroad . The justices are being asked to sort out whether laws intended for individuals apply . Justice Alito : ` ` There 's no connection to the United States whatsoever '' in these lawsuits . They're about foreign companies that have done business with American citizens, and they want damages from those people who were harmed by their conduct.'