Supreme Court rules the Postal Service can't be sued, even when mail is intentionally not delivered - Associated Press News
AP News
February 24, 2026
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The Supreme Court has ruled that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) cannot be sued for intentional non-delivery of mail, even in cases where there is evidence of deliberate failure to deliver. This decision marks a significant legal precedent, providing immunity to the postal service from such lawsuits. The court’s 5-4 ruling, with Justice Neil Gorsuch writing the majority opinion, hinges on Congress’s exclusive authority over USPS operations, which precludes judicial oversight in matters related to mail delivery.
The case at hand involved a plaintiff who sued USPS after experiencing repeated failures in delivering their mail, allegedly due to intentional actions by postal workers. However, the Court determined that such disputes fall under Congress’s jurisdiction rather than federal courts. Gorsuch argued that USPS is protected by sovereign immunity, meaning it cannot be sued for its operational decisions, including delivery practices.
The ruling has sparked criticism, with dissenting justices like Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasizing the potential implications for accountability and fairness. She warned that the decision could undermine public trust in the postal service and leave consumers without recourse against systemic issues in mail delivery. The outcome of this case raises
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Originally published on AP News on 2/24/2026