Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co

1926

Court: US Supreme Court

Facts: Euclid wants to zone: lands between two railroad lines are zoned for industrial use. This devalues a major portion of the plaintiff's land.

Posture: Suit alleging 14A violations (due process and equal protection). Lower court agreed, and blocked enforcement of the zoning.

Issue: Does the power exist to zone?

Holding: Yes.

Rule: In order to call this unconstitutional, you'd have to show that it was clearly arbitrary and unreasonable, having no relation to the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare.

Reasoning: Zoning is a modern invention. The legislature's judgement must control, if the position is debatable.

Dicta: