State and local government interest groups before the Supreme Court: Implications for intergovernmental policy

In recent years state and local governmental interest groups have become active in filing amicus curiae briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court. During the same period, the Court has demonstrated a renewed interest in federalism issues. A review of the state and local government interest group participation in 37 cases between 1995 and 1998 shows that those organizations were more unified in cases raising issues of intergovernmental policy and program implementation than in the major federalism disputes. This article suggests that the increase use of the courts to settle technical intergovernmental issues portends new roles for state and local officials.