United States v. Lopez
The constitutional question
Article I — the limits of the Commerce Clause
The holding
First case in 60 years to strike a federal law as exceeding the commerce power — gun possession near schools is not economic activity.
Live legislation that raises this case (2)
H.R. 3633 · 119thHouse Vote
Digital Asset Market Clarity Act
Lopez polices the outer edge of the commerce power that all securities and commodities regulation stands on.
H.R. 38 · 119thReported
Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025
Lopez struck a federal gun law as exceeding the commerce power; opponents argue a federal carry mandate rests on the same overreach — conservative doctrine cutting against a conservative bill.