United States Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton

514 U.S. 779 (1995)

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United States Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton

United States Supreme Court
514 U.S. 779 (1995)

United States Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton

Facts

The United States Constitution establishes qualifications for membership in the United States Congress based on age, citizenship, and residence requirements. In 1995, the Arkansas state legislature passed an amendment to the Arkansas state constitution prohibiting candidates for office in the House of Representatives from serving more than three terms. Thornton (plaintiff) brought suit in Arkansas state court against United States Term Limits, Inc. (defendant) on the ground that the Arkansas amendment was unconstitutional. The Arkansas Supreme Court agreed and held that the state amendment violated the federal Constitution. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Stevens, J.)

Concurrence (Kennedy, J.)

Dissent (Thomas, J.)

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