Lochner v. New York

Definition

Lochner v. New York was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1905 that struck down a New York law limiting bakers' working hours to 10 per day and 60 per week. The Court ruled that the law violated the 'freedom of contract' under the 14th Amendment, reinforcing a broader principle of laissez-faire economics and limiting the government's ability to regulate labor conditions, which directly impacted labor movements and workers' rights during that era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case was named after Joseph Lochner, a bakery owner who was fined for violating the law limiting bakers' work hours.
2. The Supreme Court's decision was a 5-4 ruling that emphasized individual liberty and economic freedom over legislative regulation.
3. Lochner v. New York set a precedent for other cases where the Court would invalidate state regulations on business, particularly concerning labor laws.
4. The ruling reflected the dominant legal philosophy of the time that prioritized capitalist economic principles over social reform.
5. The decision was eventually criticized and overturned by later rulings that expanded government authority to regulate labor conditions, particularly during the New Deal era.

Review Questions

• How did Lochner v. New York influence labor movements and workers' rights in the early 20th century?
  • Lochner v. New York had a profound impact on labor movements by reinforcing the idea of 'freedom of contract,' which restricted government intervention in labor relations. This ruling created significant challenges for labor advocates who sought to improve working conditions, as it limited the ability of states to pass laws aimed at protecting workers' rights. Consequently, this led to a backlash from labor organizations that mobilized to fight for reforms and better working conditions, highlighting the ongoing struggle between economic freedoms and workers' rights.
• Evaluate how the principles established in Lochner v. New York reflected the broader economic ideologies of its time.
  • The principles established in Lochner v. New York reflected a strong belief in laissez-faire capitalism and individual liberties that were prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Court's ruling emphasized minimal government interference in business practices, aligning with the prevailing economic ideologies of personal freedom and capitalist enterprise. This led to a legal environment that favored employers over workers, which ultimately sparked a significant reaction from labor movements seeking more protections against exploitation.
• Analyze how Lochner v. New York set a legal precedent for future Supreme Court cases regarding labor rights and government regulation.
  • Lochner v. New York established a critical legal precedent by asserting that government regulations interfering with economic freedoms could be deemed unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment. This precedent influenced future Supreme Court decisions where similar arguments were made against various forms of labor legislation. Over time, however, as societal views shifted towards recognizing the need for greater government intervention in protecting workers’ rights, subsequent rulings began to overturn or limit the implications of Lochner, ultimately reflecting changing attitudes toward labor relations and economic regulation in America.

Related terms

Freedom of Contract: A legal doctrine that upholds the right of individuals to negotiate the terms of their contracts without government interference.

Progressive Era: A period of social activism and political reform in the United States from the 1890s to the 1920s, focusing on addressing issues such as labor rights, women's suffrage, and economic inequality.

14th Amendment: An amendment to the United States Constitution adopted in 1868 that grants citizenship and equal protection under the law, often cited in cases involving civil rights.