Judge promises ruling to health care challenge in 30 days

Virginia’s challenge to federal health-care reform appears to be on the fast track to the US Supreme Court, following yesterday’s hearing before a US District Judge in Richmond. Charles Fishburne reports.

It is a high-profile case for Judge Henry E. Hudson.

Tobias: The judge was very well-prepared and put all the lawyers through their paces.

Two hours of arguments in a packed courtroom, over whether Virginia’s challenge to health care reform can go forward.

Tobias:  The argument is, the commerce clause cannot be used by Congress to force someone to purchase something.

Law Professor Carl Tobias, University of Richmond, says 20 other states have challenged health care reform, but Virginia’s may be the first to the Supreme Court.

Tobias:  I think that's right, because of the Eastern District's rocket docket; Judge Hudson has scheduled it very quickly, and so it's likely to be the first one, by a wide margin, to come before the Supreme Court.

The federal government wants the case dismissed.  Judge Hudson promises a ruling in 30 days.

Charles Fishburne, WCVE News

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