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US Federal Constitution QUESTION #5821
Question 1
The Supreme Court of State A rules that a state tax on out-of-state wine is unconstitutional under both the State A Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. The state petitions the U.S. Supreme Court for certiorari. Will the U.S. Supreme Court hear the case?
  • Yes, because it involves a federal constitutional issue.
  • Yes, because the state is a party to the suit.
  • No, because the decision rests on 'adequate and independent state grounds.'✔️
  • No, because the U.S. Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction over state tax matters.
Correct Answer Explanation
If a state court decision clearly rests on state law grounds that are sufficient to support the judgment, and those state grounds are independent of federal law, the U.S. Supreme Court will not review the case (even if there is a federal issue) because the outcome would not change.