MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNING ESSAY:
FEDERAL COURT CASE IMPACT ON NORTH DAKOTA
By Jake Hausmann
This year, the United States will be celebrating their 250th anniversary! Federal court decisions impact all states. The court case Wickard v. Filburn had a large effect on the state of North Dakota.
Wickard v. Filburn( 1942) regulated crop production even if it was for personal consumption. It had an impact on North Dakota because this state is known for its many fields and farms.
The court decision started when Roscoe Filburn, an Ohio farmer, ignored the Agriculture Adjustment Act. This act limits the amount of crops a farmer can grow. Roscoe argued that his wheat could not be regulated under the Commerce Clause because it did not have anything to do with commercial activity. However, the U. S. Supreme Court upheld the commerce clause. To get out of the problem presented by lack of any“ interstate commerce” to regulate, the court invented a new principle. This principle states that the production of wheat for personal consumption could have an effect on the wheat market and partially decrease Congress’ power to regulate interstate commerce if others followed in Filburn’ s steps.
The outcome was that they upheld the law. One Justice found that the commerce
Jake Hausmann
clause gives Congress the power to control prices in the industry.
This court case has had a profound effect on North Dakota because a lot of farmers were growing crops for personal consumption during the Great Depression. I believe that this attempt by the court to gain control interferes with personal liberties.
Introducing our newest attorney
ERIK KING
Practicing in the following area:
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
• has handled hundreds of cases involving a wide variety of criminal charges
Licensed in North Dakota and Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court
101 Slate Dr., Ste. 4 • Bismarck, ND 58503 • 701-712-2676
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