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.