The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today on the constitutionality of Arizona’s anti-immigration law. The case is important not only because of the discriminatory treatment it has fostered against Hispanics and others but because it has become a model for other states in their efforts to harrass and intimidate anyone suspected of being an undocumented immigrant. Initial reports suggest the Justices did not agree with the federal preemption arguments.

The Supreme Court heard oral argument on the requirement that people have health insurance, the mandate. Transcript and audio version here. One of the issues was the constitutional limits on the powers of Congress under the Commerce Clause. Article I, § 8 gives Congress the power: “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes.” In recent times, this clause has been given a broad interpretation, but there are limits.