when challenging constitutionality of a statute must notify attorney general

by Mr. Cleve Stanton 6 min read

A party that files a pleading, written motion, or other paper challenging the constitutionality of a state statute must promptly file a notice of constitutional question stating the question and identifying the paper that raises it, and serve the notice and paper on the state attorney general either by certified or registered mail or by sending it to an electronic address designated by the attorney general for this purpose.

In the United States Supreme Court and the federal circuit courts, a party must notify the clerk in writing of the challenge and, before the Supreme Court, serve its filing on the Attorney General. See 28 U.S.C. § 2403(b); U.S. Sup.

Full Answer

When to notify the Attorney General of a constitutional challenge?

The notice of constitutional question will ensure that the attorney general is notified of constitutional challenges and has an opportunity to exercise the statutory right to intervene at the earliest possible point in the litigation. The court's certification obligation remains, and is the only notice when the constitutionality of a federal or state statute is drawn in question by means …

What are the rules for a constitutional challenge to a statute?

Mar 05, 2022 · Rule 521 - Notice to Attorney General of Challenge to Constitutionality of Statute (a) Notice.-It shall be the duty of a party who draws in question the constitutionality of any statute in any matter in an appellate court to which the Commonwealth or any officer thereof, acting in his official capacity, is not a party, upon the filing of the record, or as soon thereafter as the …

What happens if a state statute is challenged in court?

Under federal law, if a party challenges the constitutionality of a state statute in federal litigation and neither the State nor any state agency, officer, or employee is a party, either the court or the party shall notify the Attorney General of the challenge and the court shall grant the Attorney General intervention as of right.

What is a notice of constitutional question?

to notify the attorney general when a party to litigation filed a petition, motion, or other pleading challenging the constitutionality of a state statute if the party notified the court of the challenge. The proposition also would authorize the Legislature to establish a period of up to 45 days after a court gave the required notice during which

How do you challenge the constitutionality of a state statute?

New Rule 5.1 requires a party that files a pleading, written motion, or other paper drawing in question the constitutionality of a federal or state statute to file a notice of constitutional question and serve it on the United States Attorney General or state attorney general.

What does it mean to challenge the constitutionality of a law?

An as-applied challenge alleges that a statute or regulation is unconstitutional in a specific context. A plaintiff in an as-applied challenge is not arguing that the entire statute is unconstitutional, but instead that it is being applied in an unconstitutional manner.

What happens when a statute is unconstitutional?

An unconstitutional statute is absolutely void and to be considered as though it had never been passed. Therefore, the court argued, no question of fraud could arise in connection with this statute.

What is a constitutional challenge?

A common constitutional challenge is that the rule purports to classify affected parties without a rational basis for the classification, thereby raising an equal protection claim. An even more common challenge is that the rule violates due process in that it is arbitrary and capricious or vague or overbroad.

Who can challenge the constitutionality of a law?

Power of Judicial Review of the Constitutionality of Laws A law can be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court only through a minimum Bench of seven judges; and in all cases the decision invalidating the law must be supported by a two-thirds majority of the special Bench.

How would you challenge the constitutional validity of a law?

Writ Petition challenging Constitutional Validity of legislation- some points. In the constitutional setup, the High Court as well as the Supreme Court of India is the guardian of the Constitution. These two courts have the power to scrutinize the vires of any legislation.

What makes a statute constitutional?

A constitutional statute is a statute which regulates state institutions, and which possesses importance of a particular type that we describe. The nature of a constitutional statute largely—but not entirely—justifies the special treatment they have been given.Dec 24, 2016

Can an unconstitutional law be enforced?

The answer is yes. They could have brought suit to have the state law declared unconstitutional and also to have the city authorities enjoined (prohibited by court order) from enforcing the statute against them.

Do you have to follow unconstitutional laws?

An unconstitutional law cannot operate to supersede any existing valid law. No one is bound to obey an unconstitutional law and no courts are bound to enforce it.Dec 20, 2018

What is an example of unconstitutional?

When Congress passes a law when it does not have the constitutional authority to do so, it is unconstitutional. For example, when Congress gave the Supreme court the power to issue writs of mandamus, this gave the Supreme Court power that Congress did not have the authority to provide.Jan 28, 2022

Can states pass unconstitutional laws?

Thus, the federal courts have held that under the Constitution, federal law is controlling over state law, and the final power to determine whether federal laws are unconstitutional has been delegated to the federal courts. The courts therefore have held that the states do not have the power to nullify federal law.

What does legal challenge mean?

Legal Challenge means any proceedings in which a declaration is sought that the LEP Amendment, any Development Consent, Stage 2 Development Consent and/or this deed is invalid and includes but is not limited to any proceedings in which such a declaration is sought which are heard on remitter from another Court ...

What happens if a state challenge is not a state?

Under federal law, if a party challenges the constitutionality of a state statute in federal litigation and neither the State nor any state agency, officer, or employee is a party, either the court or the party shall notify the Attorney General of the challenge and the court shall grant the Attorney General intervention as of right. In the United States Supreme Court and the federal circuit courts, a party must notify the clerk in writing of the challenge and, before the Supreme Court, serve its filing on the Attorney General. See 28 U.S.C. § 2403 (b) ; U.S. Sup. Ct. R. 29.4 (c) ; Fed. R. App. Proc. 44 (b).

Is there legal advice for constitutional challenges in New York?

The information below is provided as a general description of the laws governing constitutional challenges to New York laws and does not constitute legal advice. An attorney or party should review the relevant law to ensure compliance with the requirements.