J. W. Hampton, Jr. & Company v. United States (1900)
- Docket
- 242
- Decided
- 1900-1940-
Summary
Question: Did the Tariff Act's delegation of commerce power to the Executive Branch violate the Separation of Powers principle? Conclusion: In a unanimous decision, the Court held that Congress, within "defined limits," could vest discretion in Executive officers to make public regulations and direct the details of statutory execution. The Court argued that the same principle that allowed Congress to fix rates in interstate commerce also enabled it to remit to a rate-making body under the control of the Executive branch.