A landmark Supreme Court case from 1908, this ruling upheld an Oregon law limiting the workday for women in laundries and factories to ten hours. It represents a significant moment in labor law and the Progressive Era, demonstrating the Court’s acceptance of state intervention to protect women’s health and morals. The case argued that long hours negatively affected women’s well-being, thereby impacting their ability to fulfill their traditional roles as wives and mothers. The decision served as a notable, albeit controversial, example of protective labor legislation.
This legal precedent is significant for several reasons. It illustrated a shift in judicial thinking toward acknowledging social science evidence (the “Brandeis Brief”) when assessing the constitutionality of laws. Furthermore, it demonstrated a willingness to treat men and women differently under the law, based on perceived inherent differences and societal expectations. While hailed as a victory for worker protection at the time, its focus on gender-specific legislation has been criticized for perpetuating gender stereotypes and limiting women’s opportunities in the workforce.
