Zivotofsky v. Clinton, Secretary of State

Abstract

Relationship of international law and municipal law — Recognition — Sovereignty — Status of Jerusalem — Jurisdiction — Subject-matter jurisdiction — Whether dispute justiciable — Political question doctrine — Petitioner United States citizen born in Jerusalem — Petitioner requesting place of birth in passport to be designated as Israel in accordance with Section 214(d) of Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 — State Department policy not to take position on political status of Jerusalem — Passport issued listing Jerusalem as birthplace — Petitioner filing claim against State Department invoking Act — Whether petitioner’s claim presenting political question — Separation of powers — Foreign affairs — Constitution delegating foreign affairs powers to Executive and Legislature — Whether petitioner asking Court to enforce specific statutory right — Constitutionality of Section 214(d) of Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 — The law of the United States