The state legislature of state A enacted legislation prohibiting the use of tractor-trailer rigs weighing more than 100,000 pounds gross, on the basis that superheavy trucks rapidly degrade the state's roadways and pose a greater safety danger than smaller trucks. A trucking firm that frequently uses state A's highways for trips between state B and state C purchased several tractor-trailer rigs weighing over 100,000 pounds when loaded. The trucking firm brings an action for declaratory relief in federal court in state B, seeking to have the state A legislation declared unconstitutional. It presents expert testimony that the heavier trucks are no less safe than smaller models. State A produces no evidence, but asserts that the legislation is justified as an exercise of its police power.

How should the trial court rule?

Question

Social Studies

Rhett Yates

4 April, 06:04

The state legislature of state A enacted legislation prohibiting the use of tractor-trailer rigs weighing more than 100,000 pounds gross, on the basis that superheavy trucks rapidly degrade the state's roadways and pose a greater safety danger than smaller trucks. A trucking firm that frequently uses state A's highways for trips between state B and state C purchased several tractor-trailer rigs weighing over 100,000 pounds when loaded. The trucking firm brings an action for declaratory relief in federal court in state B, seeking to have the state A legislation declared unconstitutional. It presents expert testimony that the heavier trucks are no less safe than smaller models. State A produces no evidence, but asserts that the legislation is justified as an exercise of its police power.

How should the trial court rule?

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Answers (1)

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Fletcher Clarke · Answer 1

The trial court should rule that the legislation is unconstitutional because it violates the Commerce Clause.

Explanation:

Any legislation introduced and implemented by the state legislature inevitably has to comply with the United States Constitution for it to be valid. The legislation that is believed to be unconstitutional can be appealed against in the court of law. The court can also suo moto take an initiative to examine the constitutionality of the legislation introduced.