Interstate Commerce Act: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition

Q: Is the Interstate Commerce Commission still active?

No, the ICC was dissolved in 1995, and its responsibilities were transferred to other agencies.

Q: How can I report unfair practices by a transportation company?

You can gather evidence and consult a legal professional, or use legal templates to file a complaint.

Definition & Meaning

The Interstate Commerce Act is a significant piece of legislation passed by the U.S. Congress in 1887. It established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), which was created to regulate the railroad industry and address concerns regarding monopolistic practices. The Act grants Congress the authority to oversee private corporations involved in interstate commerce, which includes the buying, selling, or exchanging of goods and services across state lines. This regulation ensures fair competition and prevents state actions that could hinder interstate trade.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The Interstate Commerce Act is primarily relevant in the context of federal regulation of transportation and commerce. It applies to various legal areas, including administrative law and commercial law. Legal practitioners may use this Act to challenge unfair practices by transportation companies or to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Users can manage related legal matters using templates from US Legal Forms, which provide resources for drafting necessary documents.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

One example of the Interstate Commerce Act in action is when a railroad company is found to be charging excessively high rates for transporting goods between states. The ICC can investigate and impose regulations to ensure fair pricing. Another example (hypothetical example) could involve a state attempting to impose its own regulations on a trucking company operating across state lines, which may be challenged under the Act.

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary statute is the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. Subsequent amendments and related laws include the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, which further shaped the regulation of interstate commerce.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Differences
Interstate Commerce Act	Federal law regulating commerce across state lines.	Focuses specifically on transportation and trade between states.
Federal Trade Commission Act	Law aimed at preventing unfair business practices.	Broader scope, covering various unfair practices beyond transportation.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe that a transportation company is engaging in unfair practices under the Interstate Commerce Act, consider gathering evidence and consulting with a legal professional. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist you in filing a complaint or taking other legal actions.

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Quick facts

Year enacted: 1887
Regulatory body: Interstate Commerce Commission (historical)
Scope: Interstate transportation and commerce
Key focus: Prevent monopolistic practices

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What does the Interstate Commerce Act regulate?

It regulates all forms of transportation and commerce that occur between states.