The Federalism Project
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The AEI Federalism Project conducts and sponsors original research on American federalism, with particular emphasis on federal and state business regulation, legal developments and the role of the courts, and the prospects for rehabilitating a constitutional federalism that puts states in competition for productive citizens and businesses. Through its AG Watch, the Federalism Project monitors and comments on the increasingly active role of state attorneys general.

The AEI Federalism Project disseminates its research results and opinions through frequent conferences and other public events; through the Federalism Outlook, a newsletter written by the Project’s Director, Michael S Greve; through its website; and through books and publications in scholarly journals.

Supreme Court Update

March 29, 2005

News Flash:

posted by Michael Greve @ 9:44 am

The U.S. Supreme Court has managed to get a federalism case right-unanimously, no less. In City of Rancho Palos Verdes v. Abrams, the Justices held that individuals may not enforce certain federal restrictions on local zoning authority under Section 1983 (which would entitle prevailing plaintiffs to damages and attorneys’ fees). The decision is the most recent in a long line of cases that have limited private rights of action against state and local governments.