United States v. Doremus
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Summary

In this 1919 case, the Supreme Court upheld the Harrison Narcotics Act, finding its regulation of opioid distribution—even for non-revenue purposes— constitutional under Congress’s taxing power, despite dissent over states' rights.

1919 | Federal Juristiction

United States v. Doremus

Keywords Harrison Narcotics Act; opioid distribution; taxation
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The Supreme Court's 1919 Decision on the Harrison Narcotics Act

The 1919 Supreme Court ruling on the Harrison Narcotics Act affirmed the constitutionality of Congress's regulation of opioid distribution. This decision validated the Act's reach, even extending to non-revenue-generating activities, under the established authority of Congress's taxing power. The ruling, however, sparked considerable dissent concerning the balance of power between the federal government and individual states.

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The 1919 Harrison Narcotics Act Decision

The Supreme Court's 1919 ruling on the Harrison Narcotics Act affirmed the constitutionality of federal regulation over opioid distribution. This decision held that Congress could regulate even non-revenue-generating aspects of the opioid trade under its taxing authority. The ruling, however, sparked considerable debate regarding the balance of power between the federal government and individual states.

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The 1919 Supreme Court Ruling on the Harrison Narcotics Act

The 1919 Supreme Court case upheld the Harrison Narcotics Act. The Court decided that the act's control over opioid distribution was legal, even if the main goal wasn't to raise taxes. This was based on Congress's power to tax. However, some justices disagreed, arguing that it interfered with states' rights.

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The Supreme Court and Medicine

In 1919, the Supreme Court made a big decision about a law called the Harrison Narcotics Act. This law controlled how doctors could give out medicines with opioids. The Court said the law was okay, even if it wasn't just about collecting taxes. They said Congress had the right to make this law. Some people disagreed, though, because they thought the states should have more control over this.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

249 U.S. 86 (1919)

Highlights