Lochner v. New York (1905)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
New York passed a law limiting bakers to 60 hours of work per week. Joseph Lochner challenged the law, and the Supreme Court struck it down, ruling that it interfered with the “liberty of contract” protected by the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

3) Why It Mattered
This case became the hallmark of the Lochner era, when the Court frequently invalidated social and economic regulations in the name of economic liberty.

4) What It Provided or Took Away

• Provided: Strong judicial protection of freedom of contract.
• Took Away: States’ ability to impose many workplace health and safety regulations.

5) Overreach or Proper Role?
Most scholars view this as judicial overreach, with the Court imposing its own economic philosophy instead of deferring to legislatures.

6) Plain-English Impact Today
The Lochner era ended in the 1930s, but the case is still invoked in debates over judicial activism and economic regulation.

• Substantive Due Process
• Freedom of Contract
• Labor Law