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The Keating-Owen Act: A Landmark in Child Labor Legislation
Definition & Meaning
The Keating-Owen Act, enacted in 1916, was a significant federal law aimed at regulating child labor in the United States. It sought to protect children by prohibiting the interstate transportation of goods produced in factories, shops, or canneries that employed children under 14 years old, or in mines that employed children under 16. Additionally, it restricted the working hours of minors, forbidding night work and limiting daily hours to eight. However, the act was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1918, which limited its effectiveness.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The Keating-Owen Act is primarily relevant in the context of labor law and child welfare. It is often discussed in legal practices related to employment law, civil rights, and child protection. While the act itself is no longer in effect, its principles continue to influence modern child labor laws and regulations. Users may find legal forms related to employment contracts and child labor compliance useful when navigating these issues.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
One example of the act's intended impact is a factory that employed children under 14 to produce toys. Under the Keating-Owen Act, this factory would be prohibited from shipping its products across state lines. Another example (hypothetical example) could involve a cannery employing 13-year-olds, which would also face restrictions on its operations due to the act.
Relevant laws & statutes
While the Keating-Owen Act itself was struck down, it laid the groundwork for subsequent child labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which established more comprehensive regulations on child labor in the United States.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Description
Key Difference
Fair Labor Standards Act
A federal law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards.
The Fair Labor Standards Act is still in effect and provides broader protections than the Keating-Owen Act.
Child Labor Laws
State and federal regulations that govern the employment of minors.
Child labor laws encompass a wider range of protections and regulations beyond the scope of the Keating-Owen Act.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved in a situation related to child labor laws, it is essential to understand the current regulations that apply. You may consider consulting legal forms available through US Legal Forms to ensure compliance with labor laws. If the matter is complex or involves legal disputes, seeking professional legal assistance is advisable.
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