Humphrey's Executor v. United States Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the term used for the United States Supreme Court?

Court

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?

What was the decision regarding Humphrey's removal?

<p>No, he cannot be removed for policy reasons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Justice Sutherland's majority opinion regarding the President's power of removal?

<p>The Constitution had never given unlimited power of removal to the President. The case dismissed the government's main line of defense, which relied on Myers v. U.S. The FTC was different because it was a body created by Congress to perform quasi-legislative and judicial functions. Myers precedent did not apply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.