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Nwauzor v. The GEO Group, Inc. (9th Cir.)

No. 21-36024 Circuit · Decided


The Law · How the Case Works

Overview

Overview

GEO Group appealed the $23.2M detainee labor judgment from W.D. Wash. The 9th Circuit affirmed on January 16, 2025, holding GEO is a private for-profit employer subject to Washington's Minimum Wage Act; no federal law or contract bars paying minimum wage. Rehearing en banc denied August 13, 2025.

The Conclusion

Conclusion

The Ninth Circuit affirmed GEO Group's liability under Washington's Minimum Wage Act. As a private for-profit employer, GEO must pay minimum wage for detainee labor; no federal law or contract provides an exemption. The $23.2M judgment was upheld.

CourtU.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
FiledDec 13, 2021
CL StatusTerminated
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CourtU.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
FiledDec 13, 2021
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Federal Court TMR-e7f0a2b9 Jun 1, 2026
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