The Landmark Ruling of Hammer v. Dagenhart (1918)

Name: The Landmark Ruling of Hammer v. Dagenhart (1918)
Start: 1918-06-03
Location: Unspecified

The Significance of Hammer v. Dagenhart

The Hammer v. Dagenhart case of 1918 is a pivotal moment in United States history, particularly concerning the issue of child labor laws. This Supreme Court decision struck down the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act, which was designed to limit child labor in factories and mines by prohibiting the sale of goods produced by factories that employed children under a certain age. The Court ruled that the federal government did not have the authority to regulate child labor under the commerce clause of the Constitution.

Background of Hammer v. Dagenhart

The case centered around a North Carolina mill owner, George Dagenhart, whose two sons worked under age in his textile mill. Dagenhart challenged the validity of the Keating-Owen Act, arguing that it infringed upon his rights to manage his business and his children's rights to work. The case was ultimately brought before the Supreme Court, which underscored the tension between federal regulation and state rights.

The Supreme Court Decision

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the Keating-Owen Act was unconstitutional, citing that it imposed undue restrictions on interstate commerce. The majority opinion, led by Justice William Howard Taft, emphasized that the law was an overreach of federal power into the rights given to states, which traditionally governed issues of labor.

The Aftermath and Impact of the Ruling

The decision in Hammer v. Dagenhart had immediate and significant impacts on child labor regulation in the United States. It effectively nullified the federal government's ability to restrict child labor across state lines, rendering the Keating-Owen Act ineffective. This ruling perpetuated the exploitation of children in labor-intensive jobs during a pivotal period of industrial growth.

Reactions and Consequences

The ruling incited public outcry and intensified the push for stronger child labor laws at both state and federal levels, as advocates aimed to protect children from harsh working conditions. Many social reformers argued that such conditions were detrimental to children's health and development.

The Legacy of Hammer v. Dagenhart

Although the decision stood for some time, it was later effectively overturned by the Wagner Act in 1937, which expanded the federal government’s role in regulating labor practices. The eventual passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938 finally established federal regulations on child labor, thereby significantly protecting young workers.

Fun Fact

Child Labor History’s Turning Point

After the Hammer v. Dagenhart decision, child labor did not diminish; rather, it became a rallying point for reform movements. The public’s response to the ruling illustrated the growing awareness and activism surrounding workers’ rights, highlighting the changing attitudes towards child labor in American society.