Lawsuits Pile Up Against Coronavirus Lockdown Measures
A growing pile of lawsuits are challenging the strict measures that states have imposed to contain the coronavirus pandemic, presenting a legal test for orders that governments say save lives, but that have drawn protests by conservative groups over the devastating economic effects.
In Michigan, a conservation group challenged a ban on motorboat use. In Ohio, a bridal shop is suing over its designation as a nonessential business that must close. And in Virginia, the owner of a fitness chain claims that Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam overstepped his authority by shutting private health clubs last month.
The lawsuits have targeted specific provisions that plaintiffs claim are vaguely drafted, unreasonable and unfair, going beyond an initial round of shutdown-related litigation that focused on religious and abortion rights. The latest suits allege violations of the right to due process and equal...
