Wickard v.

Filburn
Vincent Vang
Date of Case
Argued May 4, 1942 November 9, 1942
Majority & Dissenting
Won by Majority: Harlan Fiske Stone, Owen Josephus Roberts, Stanley Forman Reed,
Felix Frankfurter, Frank Murphy, and Robert Haughwout Jackson

Dissenting: Hugo Lafayette Black and William Orville Douglas

Summary of the Case
Wickard was held in court for producing wheat only for personal and local
consumption. The issue was if the congress can regulate intrastate activities under the
commerce clauses. The court ruled yes because as the one growing the wheat does not
have to buy wheat, the demand for wheat goes down. They viewed this by looking at al
farmers. If all farmers grew their own wheat, then the value of wheat would decrease in
commerce.
Federalism
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 - to balance supply and demand for farm
commodities so that price would support a decent purchasing power for farmers.
Significance
The court once again limited the power of congress to pass broad laws using the
commerce power, especially if they burdened state officials.