Munn vS. Illinois 1877
Background: Munn, a Chicago warehouse firm partner, was found guilty of violating a state law that provided for the fixing of maximum charges for storing grain. He was in violation of the Granger Laws of the time which were designed to channel farm protests against economic abuses. Munn, however, claimed the fixing of maximum storage rates was taking property without due process.
Issue: Was the fixing of maximum rates considered taking property without due process, and consequently in violation of the property laws of the 14th amendment?
Ruling/Impact: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Granger Laws, which established the constitutional principle of public regulation of private businesses involved in serving the public interest. The ruling was reminiscent of the Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge Case in which the courts ruled in favor of the public interest as well.
Issue: Was the fixing of maximum rates considered taking property without due process, and consequently in violation of the property laws of the 14th amendment?
Ruling/Impact: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Granger Laws, which established the constitutional principle of public regulation of private businesses involved in serving the public interest. The ruling was reminiscent of the Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge Case in which the courts ruled in favor of the public interest as well.
