Has one state ever sued another?

Asked by: Ms. Dolores Crist  |  Last update: November 29, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (13 votes)

Oklahoma, 502 U.S. 437 (1992), the Court permitted a state to sue another to contest a law requiring that all in-state utilities burn a mixture containing at least 10% in-state coal, the plaintiff state having previously supplied 100% of the coal to those utilities and thus suffering a loss of coal- severance tax ...

What happens if I get sued in another state?

In practice, this means that even if the incident occurred in another state or country, a party can file a case against you in the state where you established residency or maintained a place of business. Consent: You can also consent to a court having personal jurisdiction over you.

Can a citizen of one state sue another state in federal court?

The Eleventh Amendment prevents federal courts from exercising jurisdiction over state defendants--the federal court will not even hear the case if a state is the defendant. A state may not be sued in federal court by its own citizen or a citizen of another state, unless the state consents to jurisdiction.

Can you file the same lawsuit in different States?

Generally, a lawsuit must be filed in the jurisdiction where the defendant resides or where the claim arose. In cases based on diversity of citizenship (when the plaintiff and defendant are residents of different states), the lawsuit may be filed in the jurisdiction where the plaintiff or the defendant resides.

Are States immune from lawsuits?

State sovereign immunity is comprised of two general categories: (1) states are a sovereign entity in the federal system and therefore may be immune from suit in federal court pursuant to the Eleventh Amendment; and (2) absent a waiver, states are not liable for their actions and are not subject to suit in its own ...

Connecticut, 22 other states join lawsuit against Trump admin. to stop halt to federal funds

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Have two states ever sued each other?

Pennsylvania v. West Virginia, 262 U.S. 553 (1923). The Court, in Maryland v. Louisiana, 451 U.S. 725 (1981), over dissent, relied on this case in permitting a suit contesting a tax imposed on natural gas, the incidence of which fell on the suing state's consuming citizens.

What states no longer have qualified immunity?

In addition, cities and states can create their own causes of action to hold government officials accountable and ban qualified immunity as a potential defense. Today, four states—Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico—have eliminated qualified immunity for state constitutional lawsuits against police officers.

Can lawyers take cases in different States?

Sometimes, your clients get sued or have other legal issues in another state. Does that mean you can't travel there to represent them? Not really. A California-licensed attorney may be granted temporary permission to practice law in another state for a specific case through pro hac vice admission.

Can a creditor sue me in another state?

The FDCPA however is very specific in that a debt collector can only sue in the county and state where the contract was signed or the county and state where the defendant currently resides.

How long does a civil lawsuit take to settle?

Once the legal process begins, there is no clear-cut timeline for these types of proceedings. If both parties are amicable, you may get a settlement in as little as a few weeks. Complex cases that go to trial may take several years to resolve.

What prevents a citizen of one state from suing another state?

In its 1890 decision in Hans v. Louisiana, the Supreme Court interpreted the Eleventh Amendment immunity broadly to prohibit suits against a state not only by citizens of another state, but also by a state's own citizens, and in cases arising under federal law.

What is the 7th Amendment called?

Constitutional Amendments – Amendment 7 – “The Right to Jury Trial in Civil Affairs

What is the only crime defined by the Constitution?

Although there have been relatively few treason cases in American history, the Supreme Court has clarified what it means to "levy war" and provide "aid or comfort" to enemies. Treason is the only crime defined in the Constitution of the United States.

Can a citizen of one state sue another state?

The Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prevents federal courts from exercising jurisdiction over cases involving citizens of one state suing another state in federal court.

What happens if someone sues you and you have nothing?

The plaintiff might attempt wage garnishment or bank account levies. Some defendants might be considered “judgment proof” if they have no assets. Possible Outcomes and Future Collection: Judgments remain active for several years and could be renewed.

Can the state take your lawsuit money?

Personal injury settlements in California are generally exempt from being garnished or levied upon, with exceptions. So, depending on the circumstances, they shouldn't be able to take that money from your account. You may lose that protection if you don't handle it properly.

What is the 777 rule with debt collectors?

Specifically, the rule states that a debt collector cannot: Make more than seven calls within a seven-day period to a consumer regarding a specific debt. Call a consumer within seven days after having a telephone conversation about that debt.

Is it hard to sue someone in another state?

If the defendant has no contact with your state, you may be able to sue in the location in your state where the contract was signed, but you generally have to sue in the state where the person you're suing lives or does business. Out-of-state small claims lawsuits tend to be expensive and unwieldy.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

The phrase in question is: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” These 11 words, when used correctly, can provide significant protection against aggressive debt collection practices.

What state has the hardest bar exam?

California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.

Does it matter what state my lawyer is in?

In most cases, your attorney must be admitted to the bar in the state with jurisdiction. Most states have a process for an out of state attorney to be admitted to represent a client for one case only. The Latin phrase “pro hac vice” or “for this occasion only” describes this process.

Does case law apply to all states?

This depends on the court from which the case law comes from. Law from state courts generally only apply in the state which the ruling came from. For Federal courts case law from district courts may only apply to that district but a ruling form the supreme court would apply to all courts in the US.

Where do cops not have qualified immunity?

Today, four states—Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico—have completely banned police officers from using qualified immunity as a defense in state court.

Who has absolute immunity in the US?

In Trump v. United States, on July 1, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that presidents were entitled to absolute immunity from exercising core powers enumerated by the constitution, presumption of immunity for other official acts, and no immunity for unofficial actions.

Can police break the law to enforce the law?

Whether they are on duty or off duty, police officers must obey the law. When police officers break the law, they can be punished just like you if you commit a crime. Courts have held police officers accountable for their wrongdoing, misconduct, and illegal acts.