National Private Truck Council, Inc. v. Oklahoma Tax Commission
United States Supreme Court
515 U.S. 582, 115 S. Ct. 2351, 132 L. Ed. 2d 509 (1995)
- Written by Salina Kennedy, JD
Facts
Several states imposed discriminatory taxes on Oklahoma truck drivers. In response, Oklahoma imposed discriminatory taxes on truck drivers from those states. The truck drivers (plaintiffs) sued, requesting relief pursuant to state law and requesting injunctive and declaratory relief as well as an award of attorney’s fees, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The Oklahoma Supreme Court held that the Dormant Commerce Clause prohibited Oklahoma from levying the discriminatory taxes and awarded a tax refund to the affected truckers. However, it declined to offer any relief pursuant to § 1983. On appeal, the United States Supreme Court held that § 1983 provides relief for Dormant Commerce Clause violations and remanded the case. On remand, the Oklahoma Supreme Court again declined to award damages pursuant to § 1983, reasoning that it was prohibited from doing so because the truck drivers had received an adequate remedy pursuant to state law. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Thomas, J.)
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