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 for women, establishing a significant precedent in labor rights and economic regulation. This case marked a shift in judicial philosophy regarding the government's role in the economy, particularly in relation to substantive due process, as it moved away from the previous laissez-faire approach that often favored business interests over worker protections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Parrish, affirming that minimum wage laws serve a legitimate government interest in promoting public welfare.
2. This case overturned earlier precedents like Adkins v. Children's Hospital, which had invalidated minimum wage laws on the grounds of substantive due process.
3. The decision was seen as a victory for labor rights and women's rights, as it specifically addressed the wage disparities faced by women workers at the time.
4. West Coast Hotel v. Parrish demonstrated a pivotal moment in the shift towards a more active role for the government in regulating economic conditions and protecting workers' rights.
5. The ruling indicated a growing acceptance among justices of the need for economic regulation during times of crisis, reflecting changing attitudes towards the balance between individual rights and social welfare.

Review Questions

• How did West Coast Hotel v. Parrish impact the interpretation of substantive due process regarding economic regulations?
  • West Coast Hotel v. Parrish significantly altered the interpretation of substantive due process by allowing for greater government intervention in economic matters. The Supreme Court's decision acknowledged that minimum wage laws are essential for protecting public welfare, indicating a move away from strict laissez-faire principles. This ruling represented a broader acceptance of the government's role in regulating economic conditions and promoting social justice, particularly for vulnerable populations like women workers.
• What were the broader implications of West Coast Hotel v. Parrish for labor rights and government intervention during the New Deal era?
  • The ruling in West Coast Hotel v. Parrish had profound implications for labor rights during the New Deal era by legitimizing minimum wage laws and enhancing protections for workers. This case signaled a shift towards recognizing the importance of government intervention in addressing economic inequalities and safeguarding worker interests. It also laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation aimed at improving labor standards and reinforced the government's commitment to promoting social welfare through regulatory measures.
• Evaluate how West Coast Hotel v. Parrish reflects evolving judicial attitudes toward economic rights and social justice in American society.
  • West Coast Hotel v. Parrish reflects a significant evolution in judicial attitudes toward economic rights and social justice, moving from a strict interpretation of individual liberties to a more nuanced understanding that incorporates societal needs. The case illustrates how the judiciary began to recognize that economic conditions can impede individual freedoms and that government action is necessary to ensure fair treatment in the workplace. This shift highlights a growing recognition of the importance of balancing personal liberties with collective welfare, signaling a more progressive approach to constitutional interpretation in response to societal changes.

Related terms

Substantive Due Process: A constitutional doctrine that protects certain fundamental rights from government interference, ensuring that laws do not infringe on basic liberties without sufficient justification.

Minimum Wage Law: Legislation that establishes the lowest hourly wage that employers can legally pay their workers, aimed at ensuring a basic standard of living for employees.

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social welfare.