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Christie and New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association v. NCAA (Argument Dec. 4, 2017)

This case has been decided. See how it turned out!

Despite a federal law saying New Jersey cannot legalize sports betting, New Jersey did. And the state says it has the constitutional right to do so.

This is not the first time the major sports associations (NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL) have sued New Jersey for going directly against the federal prohibition on sports betting. This is, however, the first time the Supreme Court will weigh in.

The 10th Amendment says that the federal government cannot boss around (commandeer) state governments.

Christie and the horseracers say the federal law runs afoul of the 10th Amendment because it impermissibly tells the state what to do. However, as we know, federal law overrides state law all the time. This argument relies on a theoretical difference, rather than a practical one.

See what we mean in our case explainer.

The Supreme Court will determine if Christie’s 10th Amendment argument is valid.

More information:

See how the 10th Amendment plays out in another important issue: Sanctuary Cities.

About the Author

Mariam Morshedi

Mariam Morshedi

Mariam Morshedi is the Founder and Executive Director of Subscript Law. Before starting Subscript Law, she practiced civil rights law for AARP Foundation, where she litigated housing, consumer and disability rights issues.

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