Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102

§1997j Disclaimer Respecting Private Litigation

Title 42 › CHAPTER 21 — CIVIL RIGHTS › SUBCHAPTER I–A — INSTITUTIONALIZED PERSONS › § 1997j

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

Preserves power of people or groups (not the U.S. government) to enforce rights for institutionalized persons. Attorney General's investigation or suit cannot be used to delay or harm cases.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §1997j

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

The provisions of this subchapter shall in no way expand or restrict the authority of parties other than the United States to enforce the legal rights which they may have pursuant to existing law with regard to institutionalized persons. In this regard, the fact that the Attorney General may be conducting an investigation or contemplating litigation pursuant to this subchapter shall not be grounds for delay of or prejudice to any litigation on behalf of parties other than the United States.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 1997j

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102