Bar Exam — MBE (Multistate Bar Exam)Constitutional LawMedium
A federal court issues an injunction ordering a state governor to cease enforcement of a newly enacted state law that the court found to be unconstitutional. The governor publicly declares that she will defy the injunction, citing state sovereignty. The federal court then issues an order holding the governor in contempt. Which constitutional principle supports the federal court's authority to enforce its injunction against the state governor?
- AThe Tenth Amendment.
- BThe Full Faith and Credit Clause.
- CThe Supremacy Clause.
- DThe Eleventh Amendment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The Supremacy Clause.
The Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2) establishes that federal law, including valid federal court orders, is supreme to state law. When a federal court issues an injunction against a state official, that order is binding, and state officials must comply. Defying such an order is a violation of the Supremacy Clause, and the federal court has the authority to enforce its judgments, including through contempt proceedings.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers to the states, but it does not allow states to defy valid federal court orders.
- B. The Full Faith and Credit Clause deals with states recognizing other states' public acts, records, and judicial proceedings.
- D. The Eleventh Amendment grants states sovereign immunity from suits by citizens of other states or foreign states, but it does not protect state officials defying federal court orders.
Supremacy Clause (Federal Court Orders)
The Supremacy Clause ensures that valid federal court orders are supreme to state law and binding on state officials.
- Federal law, including court orders, is supreme.
- State officials must comply with federal injunctions.
- Defiance can lead to contempt charges.
Memory trick: Federal Courts Command, States Comply; Supremacy is the Tie.