LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas' highest court says legislators can't waive the state's immunity from lawsuits, a ruling that critics on the court say would give the state "king-like" protection from legal challenges.
In a 5-2 ruling, the court ruled a 2006 measure allowing lawsuits against the state for violating its minimum wage law conflicted with the Arkansas constitution's granting of sovereign immunity from suits. The court ruled against a former bookstore manager at a community college in Mena who sued the school for failing to pay him for working overtime.
The two justices dissenting from the ruling say it could affect a wide range of cases, including whistleblower and Freedom of Information Act lawsuits.
