In: Economics
In 2002, Congress passed the Body Armor Act that made it illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a violent felony to possess body armor. Cedrick Alder- man was convicted of violating the statute, and he then challenged the law’s constitutionality during appeal. Alderman contended that Congress had exceeded its authority because the law was not sufficiently related to interstate commerce.
CASE QUESTIONS
1. Is the Body Armor Act
constitutional?
2. If Alderman purchased the body armor in the state where it was manufactured, how did his purchase
affect “interstate” commerce?
3. Suppose Congress enacts a prospective law
prohibiting all private persons from purchasing or owning body
armor in the future. In your opinion, would such a law be
constitutional?