Supreme Court of the United States
Endicott Johnson Corp. v. Perkins
January 11, 1943317 U.S. 501
Summary
The Court held that the Secretary of Labor’s subpoena under the Walsh‑Healey Act was valid and that the district court could not condition enforcement on a prior determination of the Act’s coverage. The subpoena power was deemed within congressional authority, so constitutional issues were unnecessary. Justice Murphy dissented, arguing that courts should first verify statutory coverage before enforcing such subpoenas.
Holding
- Whether a district court may condition enforcement of an administrative subpoena under the Walsh‑Healey Act on a prior judicial determination of the Act’s coverage.. No; the district court must enforce the subpoena and may not require a prior determination of coverage.
- Whether the Secretary of Labor’s subpoena power under the Walsh‑Healey Act is within the authority granted by Congress.. Yes; the subpoena power is clearly within the limits of congressional authority.
- Whether the subpoena is valid absent a constitutional analysis.. The subpoena is valid and the Court need not address constitutional questions.
Docket 142
Cited authorities
- 49 Stat. 2036
- 41 U.S.C. § 35-15