CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
W.B. Fisch, Fall 2006
Assignment #14

4. Implied Restrictions of the Commerce Clause -- Production and Trade

  • DEAN MILK CO. V. CITY OF MADISON, p. 297 (1951)
    • What regulations are being challenged?
    • Is there conflicting or preempting federal statutory law?
    • What is the purpose of the regulation?
      • Is the regulation purposefully discriminatory against interstate commerce?
      • if so, can it be justified?
    • Is it discriminatory in effect?
      • if so, can it be justified?
      • are there reasonable nondiscriminatory alternatives available to accomplish the state's purpose?
  • MINNESOTA V. CLOVER LEAF CREAMERY, INC., p. 300 (1981)
    • What regulation is being challenged?
    • Is the regulation purposefully discriminatory against interstate commerce?
    • Is it discriminatory in effect?
    • Does it impose an undue burden on interstate commerce?
      • what interests are balanced in this determination?
      • who bears the burden of persuasion on the burden issue?
  • WEST LYNN CREAMERY V. HEALY, p. 304 (1994)
    • What regulation is being challenged?
    • Which Commerce Clause objection prevails for Justice Stevens?
    • What is Justice Scalia's objection to Justice Stevens's opinion?
      • Would a simple subsidy to Massachusetts farmers out of general revenues survive Stevens's analysis?
      • Would a law requiring the use of recyclable packaging survive? Should it?