The Lochner Plan

The Lochner Plan was a legal philosophy from the early 20th century that emphasized individual economic rights, especially the freedom to contract. It stemmed from the Supreme Court's decision in the 1905 Lochner v. New York case, which struck down laws regulating working hours. The Court believed such regulations interfered with personal liberty and property rights without sufficient justification. This approach often limited government ability to regulate businesses and protect workers. However, over time, the Lochner philosophy was largely rejected in favor of greater government intervention to promote public welfare.