Hammer v. Dagenhart case brief

Hammer v. Dagenhart case brief summary
247 U.S. 251 (1918)

CASE SYNOPSIS

Appellant United States Attorney sought review of an order from the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, which granted the bill filed by appellee father and enjoined the enforcement of the Act of Sept. 1, 1916.

CASE FACTS
Congress enacted the Act of Sept. 1, 1916, which prevented interstate commerce in the products of child labor. The father filed a bill to enjoin the enforcement of the Act, and the district court granted the bill and declared the Act unconstitutional.


DISCUSSION

• On appeal, the court upheld the district court's judgment, holding that the Act attempted the federal government's regulation of a matter that was purely local. 
• The court further held that Act exceeded congress' authority under the Commerce Clause and invaded the states' reserved powers under U.S. Constitutional Amendment X. 
• Finally, the court held that although there should be limitations upon the right to employ children in mines and factories in the interest of their own and the public's welfare, such regulation was reserved for the states.

CONCLUSION
The court affirmed the district court's judgment, which enjoined the enforcement of the Act.