WASHINGTON – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a Florida woman who demanded $500 billion in damages from the federal government.
According to court records, Suzette Grace Rodriguez of West Palm Beach sued the United States in 2024, claiming harm stemming from a 2019 decision by the Florida Supreme Court that denied her petition to compel a state court and police department to act. The U.S. Court of Federal Claims dismissed her complaint earlier this year, citing lack of jurisdiction.
In its ruling, the appellate court agreed that the lower court lacked authority to hear the case because it involved alleged wrongdoing by state and local officials, not the federal government. The panel also found that Rodriguez failed to cite any federal law requiring payment by the United States for damages.
Rodriguez’s complaint cited the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence, as well as sections of the U.S. Code related to criminal offenses and court administration, none of which entitle individuals to monetary compensation from the federal government.
The Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal without costs, closing the case.
