Procedural History
261 U.S. 525 (1923), Supreme Court of the United States
Adkins v. Children's Hospital established important principles regarding the limits of legislative power in setting minimum wages, touching on issues of liberty and economic regulation under the 14th Amendment.
Source: 261 U.S. 525 (1923), Supreme Court of the United States
Action: The Children's Hospital challenged the Minimum Wage Act for Women imposed by the District.
Outcome: The law was upheld, requiring the hospital to pay a minimum wage.
Significance: This initial ruling addressed the constitutionality of wage regulation for women.
Action: The hospital appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Outcome: The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, focusing on constitutional issues regarding due process.
Significance: This step marked the national significance of wage regulations on federal constitutional grounds.
Action: The Supreme Court issued its decision in a 5-3 ruling.
Outcome: The Court struck down the Minimum Wage Act for Women, ruling it unconstitutional.
Significance: The ruling emphasized the importance of individual liberty and questioned the state's ability to impose wage controls.
Action: On rehearing, the Court reiterated its position.
Outcome: The original decision was affirmed with a similar rationale.
Significance: This confirmed the precedent on the constitutional limitations of legislating minimum wage laws.
At the time the Supreme Court heard the case, the lower court's ruling had been affirmed but raised significant constitutional questions regarding the limits of legislative authority to regulate wages. The central issue was whether minimum wage laws violated the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.
The standard of review applied was strict scrutiny concerning economic regulations affecting fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Children’s Hospital, declaring the Minimum Wage Act unconstitutional.