Wickard v. Filburn

Definition

Wickard v. Filburn is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1942 that significantly expanded the interpretation of the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The case involved a farmer, Roscoe Filburn, who grew wheat for personal use in violation of federal limits, arguing it was not subject to federal regulation since it was consumed on his farm. This decision affirmed that local activities could still have a substantial economic effect on interstate commerce, thereby broadening federal regulatory power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Wickard, establishing that individual actions, even if local and seemingly trivial, can cumulatively affect interstate commerce.
2. This case set a precedent for a more expansive view of federal authority, allowing Congress to regulate a wider range of economic activities.
3. The decision emphasized that the motivation behind Filburn's wheat production did not exempt him from federal regulations.
4. Wickard v. Filburn has been cited in numerous cases related to federal regulatory power and is a foundational case in Commerce Clause jurisprudence.
5. The ruling also highlighted the balance between individual rights and federal authority in regulating economic activity.

Review Questions

• How did Wickard v. Filburn change the understanding of the Commerce Clause in relation to local activities?
  • Wickard v. Filburn changed the understanding of the Commerce Clause by demonstrating that local agricultural activities could still be regulated under federal law if they had a substantial impact on interstate commerce. The Supreme Court found that even though Filburn’s wheat was grown for personal use, it affected the overall market for wheat. This broadened the scope of what could be considered interstate commerce and allowed Congress greater authority to regulate various economic activities.
• Discuss the implications of the Wickard v. Filburn decision on federalism and state sovereignty.
  • The implications of Wickard v. Filburn on federalism were significant as it reinforced federal power over state regulations concerning economic activities. By allowing Congress to regulate personal farming practices due to their potential impact on interstate commerce, the decision curtailed state sovereignty in favor of broader federal oversight. This ruling established a precedent where states could no longer assert complete control over local economic activities if those actions could aggregate to influence interstate markets.
• Evaluate how Wickard v. Filburn has influenced subsequent cases regarding federal regulatory powers and individual rights.
  • Wickard v. Filburn has greatly influenced subsequent cases regarding federal regulatory powers by providing a foundation for expansive interpretations of the Commerce Clause. The ruling has been referenced in various landmark cases where courts addressed the limits of federal authority versus individual rights, particularly concerning economic regulations. This case has continued to serve as a touchstone for debates around state versus federal power, affecting legislation ranging from agriculture to healthcare and beyond, illustrating its lasting impact on American law.

Related terms

Commerce Clause:

A clause in the U.S. Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states and with foreign nations.

Interstate Commerce:

Economic activity or transactions that cross state lines, which can be regulated by the federal government.

Federalism:

The division of power between national and state governments, which is often impacted by interpretations of the Commerce Clause.