Boerne v. Flores, 521 U.S. 507 (1997)
Boerne v. Flores is a landmark case that addressed the limits of Congress's power under Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Does Congress have the authority under Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment to mandate that states adhere to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, thereby restricting state regulations that incidentally infringe on religious practices?
Under Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment, Congress has the power to enforce constitutional rights through legislation, but any such measures must be congruent and proportional to the injury to be prevented or remedied.
The Supreme Court held that Congress exceeded its powers under Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment when it applied the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to the states.
Boerne v. Flores is essential for understanding the limits of Congressional power over the states, particularly concerning the application of the Fourteenth Amendment. The case highlights the balance of powers between national and state governments, affirming the principle of federalism. It reinforced the precedent that Congress cannot legislate in a manner that excessively limits state sovereignty unless justified by a documented history of constitutional violations. This decision continues to impact federal legislative practices, especially those affecting civil liberties and state authority.