Washington, D.C. – In response to the recent Supreme Court decision in Franchise Tax Board of California v. Hyatt, where the court ruled that a state cannot be sued in the courts of another state without its consent, Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law released the following statement:
“The decision issued by the Supreme Court in this case abandons well-settled precedent that had been in place for 40 years” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
“No significant change in factual circumstances or evidence of unworkability warranted the Court’s unusual decision to disturb this long-standing precedent. Right now, we are witnessing coordinated attacks on Roe v. Wade, affirmative action and more across the country. The forces driving these cases are banking on a Supreme Court majority that will be willing to reopen guiding precedent and remake the law,” Clarke continued.
“This action by the Supreme Court sends a dangerous message that its precedents are fair game and that prior rulings may not be adhered to. This action also suggests that it’s open season when it comes to precedents that have long safeguarded civil rights and reproductive freedom in our country.”
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 56th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.
Contact
Reynolds Graves, Lawyers’ Committee, RGraves@LawyersCommittee.org, 202-662-8375
