Williamson v. Lee Optical of Oklahoma, Inc.

Citation. 348 U.S. 483, 75 S.Ct. 461, 99 L.Ed. 563 (1955).

Brief Fact Summary.

Oklahoma passed a law prohibiting any person not licensed as an optometrist or ophthalmologist from fitting lenses to a face.

Synopsis of Rule of Law.

The day is gone when this Court uses the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment to strike down state laws and regulate business. For protections against legislature abuse, the people must resort to the polls, not the courts.

Facts.

An Oklahoma law prevented individuals not licensed as optometrists or ophthalmologists from fitting lenses for eye glasses and duplicating optical instruments. Opticians are artisans qualified to grind lenses, fill prescriptions, and fit frames. Under the new law, opticians could no longer fit old glasses into new frames or supply a lenses.

Issue.

Whether the Oklahoma law violates the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Held.

No. The Oklahoma law does not violate the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Discussion.

Although the law may result a needless, wasteful requirement in many cases, it is for the legislature, not the courts, to balance the advantages and disadvantages of the new requirement. The law does not violate the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.