Suppose the state of Kansas enacted a statute that required all commercial trucks and trailers operating within its state lines to use specially designed mudguards. The statute made it illegal for trucks and trailers to operate in Kansas using traditional mudguards. The traditional mudguards are legal in thirty-five (35) states and are specifically required by law in Colorado and Missouri. The cost of the specially designed mudguards is five (5) times the cost of the traditional mudguards, but some evidence suggests that the specially designed mudguards are a little safer.
If a group of truck operators come to you wanting to file a lawsuit alleging the law is unconstitutional, what is your best theory to sue under to show the law is either constitutional or unconstitutional?
1. State the issue.
2. Give the rule your are using to determine your answer.
3. Relate the facts of the problem to the rule.
4. Then state your reasoning/conclusion.
5. Why is this an important concept to understand with respect to federal supremacy, the commerce clause, and state's rights?