Wickard v. Filburn
Anthony Klarman
Summary
In a unanimous decision, the Court ruled that the federal government has the power to regulate the amount of wheat grown by a farmer for use on his own farm as interstate commerce
The Case
Roscoe Filburn grew 23 acres of wheat, although Congress set his quota at 11.1 acres. He grew it for personal use for his family. Wickard (Congress) stated he grew so much wheat that it affected interstate commerce, therefore causing Congress to regulate and penalize him
The Decision
Justice Jackson wrote the court's opinion stating that Filburn was penalized of 49 cents per bushel of his 11.1 acres of wheat. He harvested an extra 239 bushels for $117.11
The End
In a unanimous decision, the Court ruled that the federal government has the power to regulate the amount of wheat grown by a farmer for use on his own farm as interstate commerce