Muller v. Oregon

Brief Fact Summary. Oregon passed a statute limiting the number of hours women may work in factories and laundries to a maximum of ten hours per day, and it is being challenged as unconstitutional.

Synopsis of Rule of Law. Judicial notice may be taken on matters of general knowledge if such facts are helpful in resolving questions of law.

Facts. Oregon passed a statute limiting the number of hours women may work in factories and laundries to a maximum of ten hours per day. The statute is being challenged as unconstitutional.

Issue. Is it proper for the court to take judicial notice of legislation and other sources of opinion?

Held. The United States Supreme Court upheld the Oregon statute limiting the hours and found it proper to take judicial notice of “matters of general knowledge.”

Discussion. The U.S. Supreme Court found that the legislation and opinions offered are helpful in showing the widespread belief behind the legislation, but does note that it does not and should not speak to its constitutionality.