Hammer v. Dagenhart

Definition

Hammer v. Dagenhart was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in 1918 that addressed the constitutionality of child labor laws. The ruling struck down the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act, which aimed to regulate child labor in industries engaged in interstate commerce, arguing it violated the commerce clause and states' rights. This case is significant in understanding child labor reforms and the legal battles that shaped labor rights in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Hammer v. Dagenhart, stating that Congress did not have the authority to regulate child labor under the commerce clause.
2. The decision highlighted a significant legal interpretation that limited federal intervention in state matters regarding labor practices.
3. This case marked a setback for child labor reforms during a time when public sentiment was increasingly against child exploitation in industry.
4. Following this ruling, many states sought to implement their own child labor laws, though enforcement varied significantly across regions.
5. The case set a precedent that influenced future legislation and court decisions regarding labor rights and federal authority over interstate commerce.

Review Questions

• How did the ruling in Hammer v. Dagenhart impact the federal government's ability to regulate child labor?
  • The ruling in Hammer v. Dagenhart significantly limited the federal government's ability to regulate child labor by asserting that it did not have the constitutional authority to do so under the commerce clause. This meant that while states could enact their own laws regarding child labor, federal legislation aimed at curbing these practices was deemed unconstitutional. The decision underscored a strict interpretation of states' rights and set back efforts to create uniform national protections for working children.
• In what ways did Hammer v. Dagenhart reflect the broader societal attitudes towards child labor during its time?
  • Hammer v. Dagenhart reflected a complex societal attitude towards child labor, where there was growing concern over child exploitation yet significant resistance to federal intervention. While many people recognized the harsh realities faced by working children and supported reforms, others believed such regulations interfered with economic freedom and state sovereignty. This tension between humanitarian concerns and economic interests was pivotal in shaping public policy and legislative efforts related to child labor reform during this era.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Hammer v. Dagenhart on child labor reforms and subsequent legislation in the United States.
  • The long-term consequences of Hammer v. Dagenhart were profound, as it not only hindered immediate federal action on child labor but also established a legal framework that would be challenged in later cases. This setback led advocates for children's rights to shift their strategies, focusing on state-level reforms and public awareness campaigns. Ultimately, it laid the groundwork for future legislation like the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which successfully addressed many of the issues highlighted by previous cases and expanded federal oversight of labor practices, including those affecting children.

Related terms

Keating-Owen Child Labor Act: A federal law passed in 1916 that sought to limit child labor by prohibiting the sale of goods produced by factories that employed children under certain ages.

Commerce Clause: A clause in the U.S. Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate trade among the states, which was central to the arguments in Hammer v. Dagenhart.

Child Labor Laws: Legislation intended to regulate the employment of children and protect them from exploitation in the workplace.