C.T. Balls Cargo incorporated is responsible for the majority of imports brought into New Jersey. In fact, C.T. Balls carries 82 percent of New Jersey’s imports. Taking this into consideration, New Jersey lawmakers enacted a law that only allows C.T. Balls Cargo incorporated to bring imports to New Jersey. The New Jersey legislature is aware that the law conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, but believes the law to be valid because there is a rational reason for the law. The New Jersey legislature stated that they passed the law because it is more cost effective and less burdensome for the state to only have to regulate one cargo ship company.
Which of the following statements regarding the above hypothetical scenario is true?
The law is valid because their is a rational basis for the law.
The U.S. Constitution has no effect on any state laws, including New Jersery’s import law.
The law would be valid if it involved exports, but is void because it pertains to imports.
The law is void and has no legal effect
Answer
The law is void and has no legal effect
Explanation
The state constitutions are subordinate to federal law and there is no way the New Jersey could be against the U.S constitution and even if there was a taional basis for the making of this law, it remains void and not effective. Additionally, there is the the Supremacy Clause which is basically a clause within Article VI of the U.S. Constitution which dictates that federal law is the “supreme law of the land.”
