South Carolina State Highway Department v. Barnwell Brothers, Inc. (1900)
- Docket
- 161
- Decided
- 1900-1940-
Summary
Question: Did the law impose an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce? Conclusion: The Court acknowledged that the law imposed a burden on interstate commerce, but nonetheless upheld it. Writing for unanimous Court, Justice Harlan Fiske Stone reasoned that Congress had not enacted regulations in this area, so the states remained free to regulate in it. States cannot impose burdens on interstate commerce by crafting laws that are designed to create an advantage for local businesses, even if they only relate to local matters. In this instance, however, the law closely related to a matter of substantial local concern, since the states own and maintain their own highways. The Court held that in the absence of congressional action, federal courts may not determine the details of motor vehicle regulations, as that would exceed the proper scope of the judicial role and infringe on legislative powers.