News Release

November 23, 2004

Media Contact: (202) 789-5200

Cato scholar to argue Ashcroft v. Raich in front of Supreme Court

WASHINGTON -- Cato senior fellow Randy E. Barnett, professor of law at Boston University School of Law, will argue Ashcroft v. Raich on Monday before the Supreme Court. The Court will decide the constitutionality of a California law permitting physician-prescribed medical marijuana. Barnett made the following comments regarding the case:

"By ruling that the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce does not extend to plants grown in one's own back yard for personal medical use as authorized by state law, the Supreme Court can reinforce its recent line of cases limiting the reach the Commerce Clause, ensure the power of states to protect the health of their citizens, and demonstrate that federalism is not just for conservatives."

Additionally, Cato filed a friend-of-the-court brief in this case.

Roger Pilon, vice president for legal affairs, Timothy Lynch, director of Cato's Project on Criminal Justice, and Mark Moller, senior fellow in constitutional studies, are also available for comment.

Please contact the Cato media relations department at 202-789-5200 or media@cato.org for additional comment or to arrange an interview.