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Simple English definitions for legal terms
blue law
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A quick definition of blue law:
A blue law is a rule made by the government that stops or controls certain activities, like selling alcohol, on Sundays or religious holidays. These laws were made a long time ago to protect the Christian Sabbath, but some states still have them today. Some people think blue laws are not fair because they might be connected to religion, but the Supreme Court said they are okay because they help make sure everyone has a day off.
A more thorough explanation:
Blue law is a type of law that regulates or prohibits certain activities on Sundays or religious holidays. These laws were originally created in England and were later adopted in colonial America to protect the Christian Sabbath as mandated by the Fourth Commandment.
Examples of blue laws include:
- Prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Sundays
- Restricting certain types of businesses from operating on Sundays
- Limiting the hours of operation for businesses on Sundays
Blue laws have been challenged as unconstitutional because they can be seen as promoting a particular religion. However, the Supreme Court has upheld them as serving a secular purpose of creating a uniform day of rest.
For example, in the case of Providence Square Associates, L.L.C. v. G.D.F., Inc., the court upheld a blue law that prohibited certain businesses from operating on Sundays because it served the secular purpose of promoting a day of rest for workers.