438 U.S. 59 (1978)
Duke Power Co. v.
Is the Price-Anderson Act, which limits the liability of nuclear power plant operators, unconstitutional under the Fifth Amendment's Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses?
The Constitution does not prohibit federal legislation that limits liability in certain industries if it reasonably balances government interests and aims to promote public welfare and safety.
The Supreme Court held that the Price-Anderson Act is constitutional, as it provides a rational means of promoting the development of the nuclear industry while offering a fair system of compensation for those injured by nuclear incidents.
For law students, this case demonstrates the intersection of constitutional protections with federal legislative powers, highlighting the judiciary's role in assessing the reasonableness of legislative measures against constitutional standards. It illustrates the limits of congressional power to regulate and promote industry while respecting individual constitutional rights, particularly in areas involving significant public interest and safety.