Moyle v. United States
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Moyle v. United States and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Moyle v. United States.
The Supreme Court dismissed the writs of certiorari as improvidently granted and vacated the stays, allowing the District Court's preliminary injunction to take effect. This decision prevents Idaho from enforcing its abortion ban when termination is needed to prevent serious health harms. The case involved a conflict between federal law (EMTALA) and Idaho's abortion restrictions.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Moyle v. United States.
The Court held that the writs of certiorari before judgment are dismissed as improvidently granted, and the stays are vacated.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Moyle v. United States. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Preemption is relevant to Moyle v. United States
The case involves a conflict between federal law (EMTALA) and state law (Idaho's abortion restrictions), which is a classic preemption issue.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The Government's suit contended that EMTALA preempts the Idaho abortion law in a narrow class of cases.
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Why Spending Power is relevant to Moyle v. United States
The case involves EMTALA, which is a federal statute enacted under Congress's spending power, and the question of whether it can preempt state law.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)They also disagree about whether EMTALA, as a statute enacted under Congress's spending power and that operates on private parties, can preempt state law.
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Why State–Federal Power is relevant to Moyle v. United States
The case discusses the allocation of authority between state and federal governments, particularly in the context of healthcare regulation.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Federal law and Idaho law are in conflict about the treatment of pregnant women facing health emergencies.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Moyle v. United States that support the summary and concepts above.
The writs of certiorari before judgment are dismissed as improvidently granted, and the stays entered by the Court are vacated.
EMTALA requires a Medicare-funded hospital to provide essential care to patients experiencing medical emergencies.
Idaho's law prohibits abortions unless necessary to prevent a pregnant woman's death.
