West Coast Hotel v. Parrish

Definition

West Coast Hotel v. Parrish was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1937 that upheld the constitutionality of minimum wage laws, affirming the state’s ability to regulate economic conditions under its police powers. This decision marked a significant shift in the Court's approach to economic regulation, signaling support for state intervention in protecting workers' rights and interests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case involved a challenge to a Washington state minimum wage law for women, which the West Coast Hotel argued violated their right to contract freely.
2. The Supreme Court's decision in favor of Parrish represented a departure from the Lochner Era's emphasis on economic freedom, indicating a more lenient view towards government regulation.
3. The ruling reinforced the notion that states have a legitimate interest in setting minimum wages to promote the welfare of workers.
4. West Coast Hotel v. Parrish is often seen as a turning point that allowed for more extensive government intervention in economic matters.
5. The decision laid the groundwork for future labor regulations and protections that expanded workers' rights across the United States.

Review Questions

• How did West Coast Hotel v. Parrish alter the relationship between state regulation and individual economic rights?
  • West Coast Hotel v. Parrish significantly altered the relationship between state regulation and individual economic rights by affirming the state's authority to impose minimum wage laws without violating the right to contract. This case represented a shift away from the stringent protections for economic liberty seen during the Lochner Era, suggesting that the government could play an active role in safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring fair wages. The ruling emphasized that individual freedoms must be balanced with social welfare considerations.
• Discuss how the decision in West Coast Hotel v. Parrish reflects broader changes in judicial attitudes toward economic regulation during the New Deal era.
  • The decision in West Coast Hotel v. Parrish reflects broader changes in judicial attitudes toward economic regulation during the New Deal era by indicating an acceptance of governmental intervention to address economic inequities and protect workers. This case marked a departure from previous judicial skepticism towards state regulations, highlighting a newfound willingness to recognize the legitimacy of minimum wage laws as essential for promoting public welfare. It illustrates how societal needs during the Great Depression influenced judicial perspectives on economic rights versus regulatory authority.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of West Coast Hotel v. Parrish on labor law and state police powers in the United States.
  • West Coast Hotel v. Parrish had significant long-term implications for labor law and state police powers in the United States by establishing a precedent for state intervention in economic matters aimed at protecting workers' rights. The ruling legitimized minimum wage laws, enabling further legislation related to labor standards and workplace protections. Over time, this decision contributed to a broader acceptance of government regulation as necessary for ensuring social justice and equity within the economy, leading to more robust labor rights frameworks and influencing future legislative measures at both state and federal levels.

Related terms

Police Powers:

The inherent authority of states to enact regulations to protect public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.

Economic Regulation: The use of governmental authority to control or influence the economy, particularly regarding labor standards, trade practices, and business operations.

Lochner Era:

A period in U.S. constitutional law characterized by decisions that favored economic liberty over government regulation, often invalidating labor laws.