From Honolulu Star-Advertiser · Reuters · · 1m 30s
U.S. Supreme Court to review 1868 federal ban on home distilling of liquor
Supreme Court to decide if 1868 home distilling ban violates constitutional authority.
In brief
Supreme Court to decide if 1868 home distilling ban violates constitutional authority. U.S. Supreme Court will review legality of 1868 federal ban on home distilling after lower courts split on its constitutionality. Originally reported by Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Supreme Court agrees to review
U.S. Supreme Court agreed today to decide the legality of a federal ban on home distilling of alcoholic spirits enacted in 1868.
Administration defends the law
President Donald Trump's administration is defending the 1868 law against challengers who argue it exceeds Congress's constitutional authority.
Over a dozen states challenge the ban
More than a dozen Republican-led states have backed legal challenges to the 1868 federal ban on home distilling.
Supreme Court to hear arguments
The justices are expected to hear arguments in the case and issue a ruling by the end of June.
1868 law background
Following the Civil War, Congress banned home distilling to protect federal revenue, with violators facing up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Fifth Circuit ruled law unconstitutional
The New Orleans-based Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declared the 1868 law unconstitutional, calling it an unnecessary and improper means for Congress to tax.
Sixth Circuit upheld law's constitutionality
The Cincinnati-based Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law as a necessary and proper means of collecting federal excise tax on distilled spirits.
At a glance
U.S. Supreme Court will review legality of 1868 federal ban on home distilling after lower courts split on its constitutionality.
