Introduction
Curt Muller was a laundry business owner who was convicted in 1908 for violating the labor laws of the state of Oregon. Muller employed female workers whom he made to work for more than 10 hours in day which was contrary to the state labor laws regarding the plight of women laborers. However, Muller played a major role in providing conducive working hours for women laborers. Though his case might have been taken as a violation of state labor laws, it played an important role in realization of women maternal functions which put female employees at disadvantage in their day to day endeavors in search of survival.
The Muller case went against the survival for fittest slogan by offering a supportive work environment for female employees. The case lead to crucial changes in the Oregon labor rules and subsequently provided for women respect in the job market. Women are known to be the weaker gender and therefore they should not be subjected to hard labor as well as long working hours. This is due to the fact; they have other burdens of motherhood since they are the ones responsible for conservatory of human offspring. Hard labor would cause damage to the physical and emotional well being of women in the society. The judgment made by Justice Brewer showed the state position and public interest as well as concern over the well being of female in the society.
Curt Muller was required to pay a fine of 10 dollars to the plaintiff because of subjecting the weaker gender in the hard labor for long hours. Though the labor laws did not provide for women exception in the labor markets, Muller should have realized that women are deemed as the weaker sex and are usually dependant on men. They main role in the society as whole does not require them to be subjected to injurious activities. Muller case made the government to put much emphasizes on the public interest rather than the sovereignty of contract.
Notably, Muller case played an important role in violating of the 14th Amendment act which provided for equality and contractual rights. The verdict of the Muller case did not abide by any state act provided in the constitution but it was made thorough alternations of the 14th amendment act. The case provided adjustment following public interest and care.
It is therefore evident that Muller prompted the state to enforce laws that seemed to support the privileges of the citizens. It is also through his case that labor hours were reduced to six hours a day thereby breaking the then rules governing the rights to contracts. Additionally Muller played a major role in this case which made the state to enforce laws that respected and held liberty, right to life, as well as right to property, “no state shall deprive another person life and liberty”. The Muller case also made the state laws not to be applied equally. This is quite conspicuous in Justice Brewer ruling over the Muller case where the Supreme Court seemed to favor one gender to the other. However, the court maintained that the verdict over the Muller’s case did not mean that there is a ground that is designed to protect women on sex account but the court acts to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of the public.
Consequently, the case realized the equal contractual rights as well as personal rights to both women and men. Muller triggered many changes in the state laws which were subsequently in favor of women. His general contributions to alternations of the 14th amendment act are enormous and his case noticeably made the voice of women in the society to be heard.
Additionally, his case led to a substantial defeat to labor movements. Notably the normal working labor hours were reduced to six working hours a day as opposed to 10 working hours for women in mechanical industries and factories with an example of laundries. The case of Muller versus the Oregon state violated the state’s national constitution whereby the state provides no justification in giving a ruling that is entirely based on sex differences. On the contrary, the court holds that women physical structures and her role in the society validate exceptional legislation.
It is through the Muller case that the authority was able to see the sensitivity of the female to hard labor. Therefore the courts provide exceptional care to women as well as the preservation of human rights. Male body structure is different as far as they body functions are concerned. The amount of male physical strength outweighs that of women. Furthermore, women have less capacity to hold long working hours and especially if the work requires them to keep standing. Women hold the future well being of the society thereby reducing their capacity to fight for survival. Muller’s case holds the above differences as warranting justification for exceptional legislation. The differences in the legislation acts as a compensatory act to women owing to the evident burden they carry in the society.
Conclusion
Curt Muller a business man who employed women to work in his laundry business played a major role in the judicial system whereby his case led to many alteration of the 14th amendment act. His court case also contributed to gender based ruling which seem to favor the autonomy of women. Muller therefore played a significant role in the verdict of the case, Muller vs. State.
References
Katie, L.Gibson. (2007):”Judicial Rhetoric and women’s “place”: The United States Supreme courts Darwinian defense of separate spheres. Western Journal of Communication.71.2 159-175
The article highlights the reasons behind exceptional judicial ruling favoring the women in the society. The author offers the reasons for interpretations of the provision of the constitution in matters regarding women laborers. However the author of the article holds that the ruling made over the Muller Vs, State case provides rationality of differences in legislation.
Savino, D.( 1 (2009): ). “Louis D. Brandeis and his role promoting scientific management as a progressive movement. Journal of management history.15 . 38-49
The article highlights the Louis Brandeis influences in stressing workers benefits as well as the benefits of the society as whole. The author explores the legal benefits of workers especially the women worker. Although the article extensively highlights the importance of scientific management in labor markets, the science of human body also requires considerations. It is through this notion that the author cites the case of Muller vs. the state.
William E. Thro. (2007). American Exceptionalism: Some Thoughts on Sanchez-Llamas v.
Texas Review of Law & Politics.11 219.
The article highlights the differences in the American judicial systems in situations where the American supreme courts gives exceptional ruling on some cases that are usually gender based. The American judicial system interprets their constitution to suit the desired verdict. The article explores the American Supreme Court adoption to Exceptionalism.
