Questions and Answers
What was Elsie Parrish's wage as a chambermaid?
What was the amount of back pay Elsie Parrish requested?
$216.19
The Washington Supreme Court ruled against Parrish.
False
What does the holding in West Coast Hotel v. Parrish state about minimum wage laws for women?
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What was the final judgment of the Washington Supreme Court?
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The Constitution prohibits the deprivation of liberty without due process, and that liberty is not ______.
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According to the majority opinion, what should states be allowed to have?
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Who delivered the dissenting opinion in the case?
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The Constitution should change with economic events according to the dissenting opinion.
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Study Notes
Case Overview: West Coast Hotel v. Parrish
- Elsie Parrish worked as a chambermaid in Washington state, earning 22-25 cents per hour.
- Upon discharge, she claimed back pay of $216.19, reflecting the wage difference.
- The hotel offered only $17, which Parrish refused.
Legal Procedure
- The Washington Supreme Court ruled in favor of Parrish.
- The hotel appealed for a review by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).
Legal Issues
- The case addressed the legitimacy of Washington's minimum wage law.
- It questioned whether the minimum wage law infringed upon the liberty of contract as per the Fifth Amendment, applicable through the Fourteenth Amendment.
Holding of the Case
- Minimum wage laws specifically for women were affirmed as constitutionally valid.
Judgment Outcome
- The Washington Supreme Court's decision was upheld, with a 5-4 vote in favor of Parrish.
Majority Opinion by Chief Justice Hughes
- The court revisited the precedent set by Adkins, highlighting the case's significance and division.
- The Constitution emphasizes liberty and due process, rather than absolute freedom of contract.
- The minimum wage statute accounted for women’s conditions, addressing issues such as:
- The lowest paid class.
- Vulnerable bargaining positions.
- Protection against exploitation based on economic necessity.
Dissenting Opinion by Justice Sutherland
- Emphasized that self-restraint isn’t the only limitation on the judiciary’s power.
- Argued that the Constitution remains constant and isn’t swayed by economic fluctuations.
- Asserted that the judiciary's role is interpretation, not amending laws under the guise of reinterpretation.
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Description
This quiz covers key facts and procedures from the landmark case West Coast Hotel v. Parrish. Explore the details surrounding Elsie Parrish's claim for back pay and the ruling made by the Supreme Court. Test your knowledge on this important aspect of labor law.
