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Questions and Answers
What is the term used for the United States Supreme Court?
What is the term used for the United States Supreme Court?
Court
What were the key facts of the case involving Humphrey?
What were the key facts of the case involving Humphrey?
Humphrey was appointed as commissioner of Federal Trade Commission by Hoover and confirmed by the Senate. Roosevelt asked for his resignation because he was not supportive of Roosevelt's policy goals. Humphrey refused, Roosevelt fired him. Humphrey died. Executor sued for lost salaries.
Can the President remove Humphrey for policy reasons?
Can the President remove Humphrey for policy reasons?
No
What was the decision regarding Humphrey's removal?
What was the decision regarding Humphrey's removal?
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What was Justice Sutherland's majority opinion regarding the President's power of removal?
What was Justice Sutherland's majority opinion regarding the President's power of removal?
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Study Notes
Case Overview
- Court: United States Supreme Court
- Case Name: Humphrey's Executor v. United States (1935)
Background Facts
- Humphrey appointed as commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by President Hoover and confirmed by the Senate.
- President Roosevelt requested Humphrey's resignation due to lack of support for his policy goals.
- Upon refusal, Roosevelt dismissed Humphrey from his position.
- Following Humphrey's death, his executor sued the government for unpaid salaries.
Legal Question
- Key issue: Does the President have the authority to remove a commissioner for policy-related reasons?
Supreme Court's Decision
- The Court ruled that the President cannot remove Humphrey solely for policy disagreements.
- The FTC Act restricts removal to instances of "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office," not for policy differences.
Justice Sutherland's Majority Opinion
- Asserts that the Constitution does not grant the President unlimited removal power.
- Dismissed the government's argument based on the precedent set in Myers v. United States, which allowed presidential removal of executive branch officials.
- Distinguished the FTC as being a creation of Congress with quasi-legislative and judicial functions, thus not fitting the Myers precedent.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key concepts of the landmark case Humphrey's Executor v. United States. This quiz features key terms and definitions that will help you understand the context and implications of the Supreme Court ruling in 1935. Perfect for law students and anyone interested in U.S. legal history.
