Williamson v. Lee Optical PDF

Preview

Summary

Constitutional Law II Case Brief & Course Discussions related to Williamson v Lee Optical...

Description

WILLIAMSON v. LEE OPTICAL 348 U.S. 483 (1955) FACTS: Parties: Appellant: Appellee: Procedural History:  Relevant Facts: 

OK law prohibits opticians and other persons who are not licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists from dispensing lenses or fitting lenses into frames, except upon a written prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist



The law also prohibits the solicitation for sale of eyeglass frames

ISSUE: 

Whether an act of economic regulation can be upheld if there exists a minimal rational basis for the legislation

PARTIES’ ARGUMENTS: Appellant:  Appellee:  DISPOSITION OF THE COURT:  RULE OF LAW: 

As long as there is at least some conceivable justification for the legislation, states are free to regulate economic interests and the court will not overturn them

HOLDING: 

The OK law is constitutional even though there exists a minimal rational basis for the legislation

COURT’S REASONING:   

It is for the legislature, not the courts, to balance the advantages and disadvantages of the requirements In some cases the directions to the optician are essential if the glasses are to be fitted correctly The law need not be in every respect logically consistent with its aims to be constitutional...