Legal Definitions - state-compulsion test

The state-compulsion test is a rule in civil-rights law that holds a state responsible for discrimination committed by a private party while following state law. For example, if a restaurant owner is required by state law to refuse service to minorities, the state would be responsible for any discrimination that occurs.

This rule was established in the case of Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co. in 1970. Other tests used in civil-rights law include the symbiotic-relationship test and the nexus test.

For instance, if a state law requires a private school to only admit students of a certain race, the state would be responsible for any discrimination that occurs as a result of that law.

The state-compulsion test is important in ensuring that states do not indirectly discriminate against certain groups by enacting laws that require private parties to discriminate. It holds states accountable for the actions of private parties when those actions are required by state law.