Supreme Court of the United States

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America v. Walsh

May 19, 2003538 U.S. 644

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the First Circuit's judgment vacating the preliminary injunction against Maine's Rx Program. The Court held petitioner failed to carry its burden of showing a probability of success on Commerce Clause and preemption claims at this stage. Justice Thomas concurred in the judgment arguing Chevron deference precludes obstacle pre-emption claims; Justice O'Connor dissented in part arguing the District Court properly enjoined the program lacking a Medicaid purpose.