At least sixteen states are responding to the coronavirus pandemic by imposing mandatory 14-day quarantines on out-of-state visitors. Rhode Island and Florida have gone so far as to set up police checkpoints for drivers with out-of-state plates, and Kentucky has banned residents from leaving the state, except for essential job or family-related reasons. This has some legal experts wondering whether these border-tightening measures are constitutional. We’ll take up the issues with law scholar Jessica Levinson.
Interstate Travel Restrictions During Pandemic Raise Constitutional Issues
At least sixteen states are responding to the coronavirus pandemic by imposing mandatory 14-day quarantines on out-of-state visitors. Rhode Island and Florida have gone so far as to set up police checkpoints for drivers with out-of-state plates, and Kentucky has banned residents from leaving the state, except for essential job or family-related reasons. This has some legal experts wondering whether these border-tightening measures are constitutional. We'll take up the issues with law scholar Jessica Levinson.
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RICHMOND, RI - MARCH 29: A car passes through a checkpoint set up in the first rest stop after crossing into the state from Connecticut on I-95 on March 29, 2020 in Richmond, Rhode Island. Gov. Gina Raimondo rescinded a quarantine order that had applied only to those traveling from New York state and instead has broadened it to apply to all out-of-state travelers. They must stop, provide information and then self-quarantine for 14 days or face a fine. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
Guests:
Jessica Levinson, professor of law, Loyola Law School