Interstate Relations

• Interstate Compacts– These are state agreements with other states or

foreign nations• Example: GA, FL, and AL have an interstate compact on

water usage from the Chattahoochee River• New York and Canada have an interstate compact on

the use and care of Niagara Falls.

– There are approximately 200+ interstate compacts in force today.

• Full Faith and Credit– States must honor one another’s public acts,

public records, and judicial proceedings.• Example: Marriage licenses and birth certificates

– Exceptions: The Full Faith and Credit Clause only applies to civil, not criminal matters

• Extradition– The legal process where a fugitive from one state

is hiding in another state. The state he’s hiding in is going to turn him back over the state that he’s wanted in.

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• Governors used to sometimes refuse to return fugitives to another state, but since 1987, the Supreme Court has held that unwilling governments must comply with an extradition order issued by a federal court.

• Privileges and Immunities– A resident of one state may not be discriminated

against unreasonably by another state.• Example: buying a house

– All citizens must obey the laws of all other States while in those States • Example: speed limits

– States can make reasonable distinctions against residents of other States• Example:

– higher hunting and fishing license fees for non-residents– Out-of-state tuition fees at colleges and universities