Death Of Supreme Court Justice Scalia Could Affect Oklahoma Cases

The vacancy left by Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s death could affect two Oklahoma cases as early as Friday, February 19. That’s when justices are expected to conference to decide if they will hear the cases.

“The big case that is yet to be determined is the marijuana case,” said Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

Oklahoma along with Nebraska is suing Colorado, arguing Colorado is trafficking marijuana into border states. The Supreme Court has yet to decide to take jurisdiction over the case.

“We were encouraged all the way through the process in hopefully Justice Scalia’s passing does not impact the ultimate decision adversely but there is a possibility that could occur,” said Pruitt.

If the court decides not to take the case, Oklahoma would have to file the suit at the district level which Attorney General Pruitt says would slow the process down.

The court is also expected to consider making a decision Friday, on a lesser known case involving a Bethany pastor who argues the American Indian image on Oklahoma's license plate is a religious message that violates his Christian beliefs.

The high court is expected to announce decisions on both cases on Monday.