Lochner v. New York (1905)

facts

a 1897 law set regulations on working standards on employees. Lochner, a local baker owner, was found guilty of the laws and fined

Reasoning 1: the NY statute can be equated to

a contract. the right to make a contract in relation to his business is a individual liberty protected by the 14th amendment

reasoning 6: states cannot interfere between

employers and employees' contract

question/holding

is the NY labor law constitutional under the Due Process clause of the 14th amendment? No.

dissent

justice harlan

reasoning 2: there is a limit to

police powers. this is the only way for the 14th amendment to have authority

reasoning 3: the state had no

reasonable ground for interfering with the liberty of a free contract

significance

the Due Process Clause protects working citizens under contract and overrules state police powers

reasoning 4: wholesome bread does not depend on

the hours a baker works as limited by the state

dissent reasoning:

the statute was plainly enacted in order to protect the well-being of employees. it expresses the belief of the people of NY. Laws are valid till struck down. the baker violated the NY law

reasoning 5: the trade of a baker is not unhealthy to the point

which would authorize state interference