Suits against states
Limits federal judicial power over specified lawsuits brought against states.
In Simple, Modern English
Federal judicial power must not be read to allow a lawsuit in law or equity against a state by citizens of another state or by citizens or subjects of a foreign country.
Important Clauses & Details
Textual limit
The amendment modifies Article III's treatment of suits against states and expressly names out-of-state and foreign plaintiffs.
Sovereign immunity
Modern doctrine recognizes state immunity more broadly than the literal list of plaintiffs. Consent, valid congressional action in certain settings, and some suits against officials can change the analysis.
Why It Was Added
The Supreme Court's decision in Chisholm v. Georgia allowed an out-of-state citizen's suit against Georgia. States objected that the ruling undermined their sovereign immunity, leading to this amendment.
It does not mean that a state or state official can never be sued. Distinguish the wording of the amendment from the broader modern doctrine.
Plain-English study paraphrases summarize the text; they are not verbatim translations. Historical provisions and later changes are identified above. Sources: National Archives and Constitution Annotated.