United States v. Lopez (1995)

Facts

12th grade high school student carried a weapon into his school. He was charged under Texas law with firearm possession on school premises. The next day, the state charges were dismissed after federal agents charged Lopez with violating a federal criminal statute.

Dissent

The Commerce Clause included the power to regulate local activities so long as those "significantly affect" interstate commerce.

Ruling

the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had exceeded its constitutional authority under the Commerce Clause when it passed a law prohibiting gun possession in local school zones.