The plaintiffs are South African residents who suffered under the racist regime from 1948 to 1994. At one point in the litigation they reportedly sought $400 billion in damages, not from the South African government or its former officials but from companies that did business in South Africa during that time period. The suit is being brought under the Alien Tort Statute, which permits individuals to sue in American courts for certain violations of international law. The core allegation is that the corporations actively and willingly collaborated with the South African government to perpetuate the repressive, race-based system of apartheid. The corporations deny the charge and are urging the courts to dismiss the case.