West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish

Definition

West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1937 that upheld the constitutionality of a Washington state minimum wage law for women, effectively reversing the Court's earlier stance on economic regulation and marking a significant shift towards supporting labor rights. This case is pivotal as it established precedent for future labor laws and emphasized the state's role in regulating wages to protect workers' welfare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The decision in West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish overturned the earlier ruling in Adkins v. Children's Hospital, which had declared minimum wage laws unconstitutional.
2. The Court's ruling was based on the premise that the state has a vested interest in protecting the welfare of its citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children.
3. This case solidified the principle that economic regulation by the government is permissible under the Constitution when aimed at safeguarding public welfare.
4. Justice Hughes wrote the majority opinion, which stated that minimum wage laws are a valid exercise of state power to regulate business practices.
5. The decision marked a turning point in American jurisprudence, as it indicated a shift away from strict laissez-faire economics towards a more interventionist approach by the government.

Review Questions

• How did West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish change the legal landscape regarding economic regulation by the government?
  • West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish significantly altered the legal landscape by establishing that states could implement minimum wage laws as a legitimate exercise of their police powers to protect public welfare. This marked a departure from previous Supreme Court decisions that favored minimal government interference in economic matters. By upholding the Washington state minimum wage law, the Court recognized the importance of government regulation in ensuring fair labor standards and protecting vulnerable workers.
• Discuss the implications of West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish on future labor rights legislation.
  • The ruling in West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish set a precedent that allowed for greater government involvement in labor rights and economic regulation, paving the way for future legislation aimed at protecting workers' rights. Following this case, numerous laws were enacted that established protections for workers, including those related to overtime pay, workplace safety, and collective bargaining rights. The decision highlighted the evolving role of the Supreme Court in interpreting constitutional provisions in favor of social and economic reforms.
• Evaluate how West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish reflects broader social changes in America during the 1930s.
  • West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish reflects broader social changes in America during the 1930s, particularly in response to the economic hardships caused by the Great Depression. As unemployment soared and labor conditions deteriorated, there was a growing recognition of the need for protective labor laws to safeguard workers' rights and welfare. The Court's decision was not just a legal milestone; it signified a societal shift towards valuing human dignity and equitable treatment within the workplace, aligning with New Deal policies that sought to address economic inequality and support struggling workers.

Related terms

Minimum Wage: The lowest legal wage that can be paid to workers, established by legislation to ensure a basic standard of living.

Constitutional Law: A body of law that interprets the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, governing the actions of the government and protecting individual rights.

Stare Decisis: A legal principle that obligates courts to follow precedents set by previous decisions in similar cases, ensuring consistency in the law.