Opinion

National Labor Relations Board v. Townsend

  • 185 F.2d 378
Court
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Filed
Nov 22, 1950
Status
Published
Author
Stephens
On the bench
Denman, Stephens, Orr
Cited by
35 cases

The opinion

STEPHENS, Circuit Judge

(dissenting).

I dissent. The automobiles were purchased by a local retail dealer from a California company which had theretofore purchased them from the out-of-state manufacturer. That is the essential fact from which the majority arrive at the conclusion that the retail dealer was in “commerce” or that any interruption in his business would “affect commerce.” For all we know the automobiles purchased from the California wholesale dealer had “come to rest” in the wholesaler’s California warehouse as his own automobiles long before they were sold and shipped to the retailer. Of course, the interruption of one automobile sale by reason of the retailer’s labor troubles in the long reach of time might have some effect on commerce. But in reason can a mere indefinite, remote, possible effect be held to come within the spirit of the Wagner Act? If so, interstate commerce is not a distinct thing — it is what Congress from time to time says it is. What good is there in saying “We recognize that the commerce clause cannot be pushed so far as to destroy the distinction between what is solely within the *384 domain of the states and what is subject to federal control.” It reminds me of Daniel Boone’s boast that he had never been lost but he had been bewildered for a week or two.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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