Clark v. Paul Gray, Inc. - 306 U.S. 583, 59 S. Ct. 744 (1939)

Rule:

In passing on the validity of a classification, it is not the province of a court to hear and examine evidence for the purpose of deciding again a question which the legislature has already decided. Its function is only to determine whether it is possible to say that the legislative decision is without rational basis. This is equally the case where the classification, which is one which the legislature is competent to make, is applied to vehicles using the state highways in interstate commerce.

Facts:

Appellees, numerous individuals, copartnerships, and corporations, requested an injunction restraining the state officers from collecting fees and from enforcing provisions of the California Caravan Act of 1937, 1937 Cal. Stat. 788. Appellees alleged that each had driven and would in the course of business drive automobiles into California for the purpose of sale. The district court enjoined the officers from enforcing the license and fee provisions of the Act, holding that the statute discriminated against interstate commerce. Appellant state officers challenged the district court’s decision. 

Issue:

Did the district court err in enjoining the state officers from enforcing the license and fee provisions of the California Caravan Act of 1937? 

Answer:

Yes.

Conclusion:

On appeal, the Court first ruled that only a single appellee, a corporation, had presented the requisite allegations or proof tending to show the amount in controversy. The Court found it necessary to dismiss the suit for want of the jurisdictional amount as to all appellees except the corporation. The Court held that the district court's factual determinations were not only contrary to the evidence, but went beyond the judicial province. The legislature had made its classification in the light of special conditions in the state; courts were not free to set aside its determination unless they could say that it was without any substantial basis. Appellees also failed to sustain the burden of proof that either of the fees was excessive for the purpose for which it was collected.