Legal Definitions - Lochner era

The Lochner era was a period of time in the United States from 1890 to 1937 when the Supreme Court protected economic rights by interpreting due process broadly. During this time, the court tended to strike down economic regulations of working conditions, wages, or hours in favor of laissez-faire economic policy.

For example, in the case of Lochner v. New York, the court invalidated a New York statute that limited the number of hours a bakery employee could work. The court argued that this regulation interfered with the right of contract between the employer and employee.

The Lochner era ended when President Roosevelt threatened to "pack" the court with new appointees after becoming frustrated with the court's invalidation of New Deal policies.