The impact of United States v. Lopez on intergovernmental relations: A preliminary assessment

Publius: The Journal of Federalism

Volumn 26, Issue 3, 1996, Pages 109-125

  Palmer, Kenneth T ^a   Laverty, Edward B ^a  

^a NONE

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

EID: 0030170768     PISSN: 00485950     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.pubjof.a029858     Document Type: Article

References (70)

1. 1 115 S.Ct 1424 (1995).
2. 2 2 Fed. 3d. 1342 (5th Cir. 1993).
3. 3 115 S. Ct. 1424 (1995) at 1628.
4. 4 Ibid., 1630.
5. 5 63 S.Ct. 89 (1942).
6. 6 115 S. Ct. 1424 at 1630.
7. 7 Ibid., 1634.
8. 8 Ibid., 1658.
9. 9 Ibid., 1659.
10. 10 Garcia v. San Antonio Metropolitan Transit Authority, 469 U.S. 528 (1985).
11. 11 Baker v. South Carolina, 485 U.S. 505 (1988).
12. 12 Calvin R. Massey, "Etiquette Tips: Some Implications of 'Process Federalism'," Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy 18 (Fall 1994): 195.
13. 13 Younger v. Harris, 91 S. Ct. 746 (1971).
14. 14 501 U.S. 452 (1991).
15. 15 112 S. Ct. 2408 (1992) at 2428.
16. 16 115 S. Ct. 1424 at 1642.
17. 17 Publius: The Journal of Federalism has examined the U.S. Supreme Courts posture on federalism issues in several articles in the past few years. Especially useful in understanding the issues surrounding the Lopez decision are: John C. Pittenger, "Garcia and the Political Safeguards of Federalism. Is There a Better Solution to the Conundrum of the Tenth Amendment?" Publius: The Journal of Federalism 22 (Winter 1992): 1-20; Charles Rothfeld, "Federalism in a Conservative Supreme Court," Publius: The Journal of Federalism 22 (Summer 1992): 21-32;
18. 17 Publius: The Journal of Federalism has examined the U.S. Supreme Courts posture on federalism issues in several articles in the past few years. Especially useful in understanding the issues surrounding the Lopez decision are: John C. Pittenger, "Garcia and the Political Safeguards of Federalism. Is There a Better Solution to the Conundrum of the Tenth Amendment?" Publius: The Journal of Federalism 22 (Winter 1992): 1-20; Charles Rothfeld, "Federalism in a Conservative Supreme Court," Publius: The Journal of Federalism 22 (Summer 1992): 21-32;
19. David M. O'Brien, "The Rehnquist Court and Federal Preemption: In Search of a Theory," Publius: The Journal of Federalism 23 (Fall 1993): 15-32;
20. Michael C. Tolley and Bruce A. Wallin, "Coercive Federalism and the Search for Constitutional Limits." Publius: The Journal of Federalism 25 (Fall 1995): 73-90. These articles are generally concerned with the conservative justices' reliance on the Tenth Amendment as a protection for the states following the Court's move away from the Garcia doctrine and the difficulties with that approach. Pittenger's excellent article examines the scholarly reaction to the "political safeguards" argument of Garria which was most critical. Relevant to the Lopez case. Pittenger discusses two writers who suggested that shortly after the Garcia decision a safer haven for the states might lie in the U.S. Supreme Court's fashioning of a narrower interpretation of the commerce power.
21. See Martin H. Redish and Karen L. Brizin, "Constitutional Federalism and Judicial Review: The Role of Textual Analysis," New York University Law Review 62 (April 1987): 1-51.
22. 18 Erwin Chemerinsky, "Changing Course." Lopez Limits Congressional Powers. Trial 31 (June 1995): 86.
23. 19 See Deborah Jones-Merritt, "Commerce!" Michigan Law Review 94 (December 1995): 674-751 and 693-712 for an analysis of the special features of Lopez. This article has a very thorough treatment of the case and its ramifications.
24. 20 See Kathleen F. Brickey, "The Commerce Clause and Federalized Crime: A Tale of Two Thieves." Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 543 (January 1996): 27-38.
25. 21 The Texas case is United States v. Bailey, 902 F. Sup. 727 ( 1995). The Arizona cases are United States v. Schnieder, 894 FS 360 (1995) and United States v. Missouri, 894 FS 1360 (1995).
26. 22 United States v. Sherlin, 67 F. 3d 1208 (1995).
27. 23 UnitedSlates v. Pappadopaulos, 64 F. 3d 522 (1995).
28. 24 Murray v. R.E.A.C.H. of Jackson County, 908 F. Sup. 337 (1995).
29. 25 See Jones-Merritt, "Commerce!" p. 712ff.
30. 26 Seminole Tribe of Florida v. Florida, 116 S. Ct. 1114 (1996).
31. 27 For an analysis of Pennsylvania v. Union Gas and related cases, see Vicki C. Jackson, "State Sovereigntv and the Eleventh Amendment in the U.S. Supreme Court: The 1988 Term." Publius: The Journal of Federalism 22 (Winter 1992): 39-54.
32. 28 Kevin Fedarko, "A Gun Ban is Shot Down." Time 146 (8 May 1995).
33. 29 Richard A. Paschal, "The Continuing Colloquy: Congress and the Finality of the Supreme Court." Journal of Public Law 143 (1991): 143-226; Abner J. Mikva and Jeff Bleich, "When Congress Overrules the Court." California Law Review 79 (1991): 729-750; Stephen J Wermiel, "Confirming The Constitution: The Role Of The Senate Judiciary Committee." Law And Contemporary Problems 56 (Autumn 1993): 121-144; Barry Friedman, "A Different Dialogue: The Supreme Court. Congress, and Federal Jurisdiction." Northwestern University Law Review 85 (1990): 1-61.
34. 29 Richard A. Paschal, "The Continuing Colloquy: Congress and the Finality of the Supreme Court." Journal of Public Law 143 (1991): 143-226; Abner J. Mikva and Jeff Bleich, "When Congress Overrules the Court." California Law Review 79 (1991): 729-750; Stephen J Wermiel, "Confirming The Constitution: The Role Of The Senate Judiciary Committee." Law And Contemporary Problems 56 (Autumn 1993): 121-144; Barry Friedman, "A Different Dialogue: The Supreme Court. Congress, and Federal Jurisdiction." Northwestern University Law Review 85 (1990): 1-61.
35. 29 Richard A. Paschal, "The Continuing Colloquy: Congress and the Finality of the Supreme Court." Journal of Public Law 143 (1991): 143-226; Abner J. Mikva and Jeff Bleich, "When Congress Overrules the Court." California Law Review 79 (1991): 729-750; Stephen J Wermiel, "Confirming The Constitution: The Role Of The Senate Judiciary Committee." Law And Contemporary Problems 56 (Autumn 1993): 121-144; Barry Friedman, "A Different Dialogue: The Supreme Court. Congress, and Federal Jurisdiction." Northwestern University Law Review 85 (1990): 1-61.
36. 29 Richard A. Paschal, "The Continuing Colloquy: Congress and the Finality of the Supreme Court." Journal of Public Law 143 (1991): 143-226; Abner J. Mikva and Jeff Bleich, "When Congress Overrules the Court." California Law Review 79 (1991): 729-750; Stephen J Wermiel, "Confirming The Constitution: The Role Of The Senate Judiciary Committee." Law And Contemporary Problems 56 (Autumn 1993): 121-144; Barry Friedman, "A Different Dialogue: The Supreme Court, Congress, and Federal Jurisdiction." Northwestern University Law Review 85 (1990): 1-61.
37. 30 Mikva and Bleich, "When Congress Overrules the Court." pp. 748-749.
38. 31 Paschal, "The Continuing Colloquy." pp. 200-201.
39. 32 Paschal, "The Continuing Colloquy." p. 145.
40. 33 Mikva and Bleich, "When Congress Overrules the Court." pp. 729-738.
41. 34 Donald G. Morgan, Congress and the Constitution A Study of Responsibility (Cambridge, MA.: Harvard University Press. 1966).
42. 35 Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990: Hearings on H.R. 3757 Before the Subcommittee on Crime of the House Committee on the Judiciary. 101st Cong., 2d Sess.
43. 36 Ibid., 10.
44. 37 Ibid., 14.
45. 38 See 136 Cong. Rec. S17595 (1990) (statement of Senator Kohl). 136 Cong. Rec. S766 (1990) (same); 135 Cong. Rec. E3988 (1989) (inserted statement of Representative Feighan).
46. 39 See Paschal, "The Continuing Colloquy." pp. 211-226; Mikva and Bleich, "When Congress Overrules the Court," pp. 739, 743, 748.
47. 39 See Paschal, "The Continuing Colloquy." pp. 211-226; Mikva and Bleich, "When Congress Overrules the Court," pp. 739, 743, 748.
48. 40 See Ed Gillespie and Bob Schellhas, eds. Contract with America: The Bold Plan by Rep. Newt Gingrich, Rep. Dick Armey, and the House Republicans to Change the Nation (New York: Times Books, 1994).
49. 41 See U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. Categorical Grants: Their Pole and Design (Washington, D.C.: ACIR, 1977). pp. 49, 51, 53-57.
50. 42 Ibid.
51. 43 Ibid.
52. 44 The "people over places" pattern can also be found in the executive branch. Kincaid points to the downgrading of the federal government intergovernmental infrastructure in the past decade: major reductions have occurred in the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and the Department of the Treasury's Office of State and Local Finance, while the intergovernmental unit in the Office of Management and Budget has been abolished. John Kincaid, "Constitutional Federalism: Labor's Role in Displacing Places to Benefit Persons," PS: Political Science and Politics 25 (June 1993): 172-177.
53. 45 Portions of this paper are based on telephone interviews conducted in December 1995 and January and February 1996, with Anthony Crowell, Policy Analyst, International City Managers Association, Washington, D.C.: Orene Clark Nesin. Board of Directors, National School Board Association, Washington D.C.: James I. Crowley, State and Local Legal Center, Washington D.C.: Jay McCloskey, U.S. Attorney. Portland, ME. Nolan Jones, Washington Staff, National Governors' Association. Washington, D.C.: Jon Felde, Washington Staff. National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington D.C.: Simon B Karas. Deputy Chief Counsel, State of Ohio, Columbus. OH; and John Kenny, U.S. Strategies Corporations. Washington, D.C. These are hereafter referenced as "Interviews."
54. 46 PL. 101-647, Sec. 1702, 104 Stat. 4844-45.
55. 47 "Interviews."
56. 48 The witnesses included: Richard Cook, Chief. Firearms Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Department of the Treasury, accompanied by Bradley A. Buckles, Deputy Chief Counsel. Edward P. Kovacic, Chief of Police. Cleveland, OH; Barbara Lautman. Executive Director. Center to Pre" vent Handgun Violence-Joel Packer, Legislative Specialist, National Education Association and National PTA; and Mark D. Widome, MD, on behalf of the American Academv of Pediatrics. Hearings em H R. 3757.
57. 49 "Interviews."
58. 50 "Rule, Changes Open the Process." Congressional Quarterly Weekly Reprint 53 (7 January 1995): 13-15.
59. 51 Proposed Legislation: "The Gun-Free School Zones Amendments Act of 1995." Message From The President of the United States Transmitting A Draft Of Proposed Legislation To Amend The Gun-free School Zones Act Of 1990 To Provide The Necessary Nexus With Interstate Commerce, 10 May 1995, H.D. 104-72, 104th Cong. 1st. Session.
60. 52 Proposed Legislation: "The Gun-Free School Zones Amendments Act of 1995," p. 1.
61. 53 Kincaid, "Constitutional Federalism," pp. 172-177.
62. 54 Franklin E. Zimring and Gordon Hawkins, "Toward a Principled Basis for Federal Criminal Legislation." Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 543 (January 1996): 20-21.
63. 55 "Interviews."
64. 56 National Governors' Association, "NGA Policy HR-21 Federalization of Crime Control," (Washington D.C.: National Governors' Association, 1994). p. 1.
65. 57 Roger J. Miner, quoted in Amici curiae to U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Lopez (1995), prepared by State and Local Legal Center, on behalf of National Conference of State Legislatures, et al., p. 28.
66. 58 91 S.Ct. 1357 (1971).
67. 59 The laws are cited in Stephen Chippendale, "More Harm Than Good: Assessing the Federalization of Criminal Law." Minnesota Law Review 79 (December 1994): 455-484 at 462.
68. 60 Ibid., 456. Other studies point out, however, that factors in addition to the federalization of crime such as more time consuming sentencing procedures and a higher conviction rate, also account for the increased allocation of judicial resources to criminal cases. See Sara Sun Beale, "Federalizing Crime: Assessing the Impact on the Federal Courts." Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 543 (January 1996): 39-51.
69. 61 McCloskey interview.
70. 62 "Interviews" and states of Ohio and New York amicus curiae to U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Lopez (1995).