West Coast Hotel v. Parrish

West Coast Hotel v. Parrish (1937)

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

2) Summary of the Opinion
Elsie Parrish, a hotel chambermaid, sued for back wages under Washington State’s minimum wage law for women. The hotel argued the law violated “freedom of contract.” The Supreme Court upheld the minimum wage law, rejecting the Lochner-era doctrine that struck down economic regulations.

3) Why It Mattered
This case marked the end of the Lochner era. The Court shifted toward deference to legislatures on economic and social regulation, opening the door for New Deal reforms.

Economic Rights Cases

United States v. Carolene Products Co.

United States v. Carolene Products Co. (1938)

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

2) Summary of the Opinion
Congress banned the interstate shipment of “filled milk” (milk mixed with vegetable oils). Carolene Products challenged the law, arguing it was unconstitutional economic regulation. The Supreme Court upheld the statute under the Commerce Clause and adopted a very deferential standard of review for economic legislation.

3) Why It Mattered
This case is famous for Footnote Four, which suggested that while economic regulations get judicial deference, stricter scrutiny may be required for laws that restrict political rights, target minorities, or interfere with the democratic process.