Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Definition: United States v. Darby is a Supreme Court case that dealt with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and federalism. The case involved Congress setting federal standards for employment conditions, such as minimum wage, maximum hours, and child labor. The government sued Darby Lumber Company for failing to meet these standards while using interstate commerce. The case ultimately expanded Congress' powers under the Commerce Clause with regard to economic legislation.
Example: Darby Lumber Company was accused of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act by not paying their workers minimum wage. The company argued that the Tenth Amendment prevented the government from meddling in intrastate matters. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the Commerce Clause allowed the government to regulate employment standards in the production of goods that touch interstate commerce. Since Darby's lumber was sold across the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act applied to their manufacturing activities.
Explanation: This example illustrates how the Supreme Court expanded Congress' powers under the Commerce Clause with regard to economic legislation. The Court ruled that even though Darby's manufacturing activity occurred solely in the State of Georgia, the shipping of their goods across state lines made it interstate commerce. Therefore, the Fair Labor Standards Act applied to their employment practices. This case set a precedent for future cases involving the regulation of economic activity under the Commerce Clause.