Lochner v. New York · ¶12

It is a question of which of two powers or rights shall prevail —the power of the State to legislate or the right of the individual to liberty of person and freedom of contract. The mere assertion that the subject relates though but in a remote degree to the public health does not necessarily render the enactment valid. The act must have a more direct relation, as a means to an end, and the end itself must be appropriate and legitimate, before an act. can be held to be valid which interferes with the general right of an individual to be free in his person and in his power to contract in relation to his own labor.

U. S. Reports, bound volume
U. S. Reports, volume 198, at 45 (Library of Congress) · transcription: Caselaw Access Project
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