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.