Arizonans for Official English v. Arizona

520 U.S. 43 (1997)

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Arizonans for Official English v. Arizona

United States Supreme Court
520 U.S. 43 (1997)

Facts

In 1988, a successful ballot initiative established English as the official language of Arizona (defendant), prompting the addition of Article XXVIII to Arizona’s constitution. The article declared that English was to be used on the ballot, in public schools, and for all government functions and actions. Maria-Kelly Yniguez (plaintiff) worked for the state as an insurance-claims manager. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Yniguez used English to communicate with English speakers and Spanish to communicate with Spanish speakers. Concerned about being sanctioned for using Spanish at work, Yniguez sued Arizona in federal district court, claiming that Article XXVIII was unconstitutional because it violated her freedom of speech under the First Amendment of the federal Constitution. Arizona’s attorney general asked the district court to certify a question to the Arizona Supreme Court to obtain an authoritative interpretation of Article XXVIII before deciding the federal constitutional issue. The district court declined and ultimately invalidated Article XXVIII on the basis that it violated the First Amendment. The Ninth Circuit affirmed, again refusing to certify a question to the Arizona Supreme Court. The United States Supreme Court granted review. During the appellate process, Yniguez left her job with the state.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Ginsburg, J.)

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