Hammer

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Online High School *

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PSC484

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History

Date

Nov 24, 2024

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docx

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2

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Hammer v. Dagenhart 247 U.S. 251 (1918) Factual Background: In the 1800’s, during the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the use of child labor was prevalent. In 1916 Congress passed the Federal Child Labor Act, stating those under the age of 14 cannot work, and those between the ages of 14-16 cannot work more than 8 hours a day. The Executive Committee of Southern Cotton Manufacturers was against this. Roland Dagenhart was an employee for the leader of this committee. Dagenhart’s two sons worked with their fathers in a cotton mill in North Carolina. Dagenhart argued that this act was unconstitutional, as child labor is a local issue. District courts ruled the act as unconstitutional as the federal government had usurped state power. Issues/Questions: 1. May Congress regulate the sale of goods produced by child labor, once they’re placed into the stream of interstate commerce? Answers: 1. No. Ruling: Affirmed 5-4 Day (joined by White, Van Devanter, Pitney, McReynolds) Dissent: Mckenna, Holmes, Brandeis, Clarke Analysis: Justice Day wrote that only the states have the power to regulate conditions of local production. He said there is a distinction between production and commerce. Congress has the power to regulate the exchange of goods between
states, but does not have the power to regulate the production of these goods. The interstate exchange of products is not harmful, though the production using child labor is, thus Congress does not have the power to stop it.
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