Mary, a resident of California, files a lawsuit in federal court against the State of California, alleging that the state has violated her rights under a federal environmental statute. Under the Eleventh Amendment, which of the following best describes the outcome of her lawsuit?
Mary can proceed with her lawsuit if she can demonstrate that Congress has expressly allowed this type of suit against the state.
Mary’s lawsuit is not allowed because states are protected from such lawsuits under federal principles.
Mary can pursue her claim against California since federal laws take precedence over state defenses.
Mary can sue California in federal court because state actions conflicting with federal laws are subject to the Supremacy Clause.
Under the Eleventh Amendment, states possess immunity from being sued in federal court by private individuals unless Congress has explicitly authorized such suits. In this scenario, Mary can proceed with her lawsuit only if there is clear evidence that Congress has waived California's immunity through the pertinent federal environmental statute. Without such authorization, the state remains protected from the lawsuit.
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