AG Hill: Court Ruling Should Remind State Leaders That COVID-19 Restrictions Must Follow Constitution

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 9:46 AM

By Office of Attorney General Curtis Hill, news release

Since the spring, AG Curtis Hill has expressed that leaders should stay within constitutional boundaries when issuing executive orders.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Attorney General Curtis Hill said today that leaders in all states should take notice of a federal court decision that declares unconstitutional certain COVID-19 orders issued by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

“Since the spring,” Attorney General Hill said, “I have expressed my strong belief that leaders at all levels of government must be careful to follow proper processes and stay within constitutional boundaries when devising measures intended to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. This federal ruling announced Monday only strengthens my conviction in this regard.”

In his opinion, U.S. District Court Judge William Stickman IV found unconstitutional aspects of Pennsylvania executive orders that limited sizes of gatherings, implemented stay-at-home orders and imposed mandatory business closures.

“This ruling reminds us that general societal shutdowns, even in the face of pandemics, can be hard to square with an open society premised on liberty and constitutional rights,” Attorney General Hill said. “Governments must be vigilant in ensuring that emergency orders restricting fundamental individual liberties are based on science or other sound evidence. Such orders also should have defined expirations after short durations and draw thoughtful distinctions among regulated activities.”

Attached is the ruling in Butler v. Wolf.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

Five Local Family Farms Honored with Historic Hoosier Homestead Awards

To receive the award, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres.

Benefit Scheduled for September 5 for Local Girl with Larsen Syndrome

Larsen syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting bone and connective tissue development

Fraternal Order of Eagles Awards Margaret Mary Health Foundation $45,000 Grant

The grant will support cancer care and future health and wellness initiatives at Margaret Mary Health

LHS Swimming Announces Partnership with Cincinnati Marlins

The partnership will expand swimming opportunities in the community.

Local Sports Report - August 19, 2026

Soccer, volleyball and cross country results

2026 Team Preview: Lawrenceburg Look to Keep Winning Tradition Alive

The Tigers are chasing Sectional Championship No. 24 this season

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
George Strait - Ace in the Hole

Pam Tillis Mi Vida Loca 20:55
Carly Pearce Next Girl 20:52
Old Dominion Make It Sweet 20:49
Kenny Chesney Never Wanted Nothing More 20:44