Hans v. Louisiana, (1890)
The Eleventh Amendment protects states from federal suits by their own citizens, even under a federal cause of action
Penn. v. Union Gas, (1989)
In a plurality opinion the Court held Congress may override states' Eleventh Amendment sovereign immunity when it passes legislation under the Interstate Commerce Clause.
Seminole Tribe v. Florida, (1996)
This case overturned the 1989 decision in Union Gas and declared Congress could not override sovereign immunity when exercising Article I powers. Plaintiffs cannot take action against states when Congress has already created a remedy.
Florida Pre-Paid Post Secondary Education Expense Board v. College Savings Bank, (1999)
Held that Florida had sovereign immunity from action taken against them under the federal Patent and Plant Variety Protection Remedy Clarification Act.
College Savings Bank v. Florida Pre-Paid Post Secondary Education Expense Board, (1999)
In a companion case to Florida Pre-Paid, the Court held states do not "constructively waive" Eleventh Amendment immunity by engaging in acts prohibited by Congress.
United States v. Morrison, (2000)
The Court held Congress exceeded its authority in attempting to impose The Violence Against Women Act on the states. The effect of domestic violence on Interstate Commerce is insufficient to abrogate sovereign immunity.
Kimel v. Florida Board of Regents, (2000)
The Court held Congress exceeded its authority in applying the Age Discrimination in Employment Act to states because there was no evidence that prophylactic legislation was needed to protect against this form of discrimination in state government.
Alabama v. Garrett, (2001)
The Court held Congress exceeded its authority in applying the Americans with Disabilities Act to state employment because most discrimination against people with disabilities is constitutional, and therefore not appropriate for legislative remediation.
Hibbs v. Winn, (2003)
Held that the Tax Injunction Act (TIA) was intended to prevent taxpayers from attempting to avoid state tax obligations through federal litigation, but was not intended to prevent all federal interference with state taxation.
Nevada Department of Human Resources v. Hibbs,(2003)
The Court held that an individual may sue a State for money damages in federal court for violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Congress had the right to impose the FMLA on states under Fourteenth Amendment protection.
Tennessee v. Lane, (2004)
The Court held that Congress had the right to apply the Americans with Disabilities Act to state courthouses in order to ensure rights of due process and access to the courts.
United States v. Georgia, (2006)
The Court held that Congress also has the authority to apply ADA legislation to the states' prison system, and allowed prisoners' rights suits against the states where the ADA was violated, because of the concurrent constitutional violation.
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