Pike v. Bruce Church, Inc.
Citation
397 U.S. 137 (1970)
Facts
Arizona required that cantaloupes grown in Arizona be packaged and labeled within the state before being shipped out, in order to associate the Arizona name with high-quality produce. Bruce Church, a large cantaloupe grower, challenged the requirement as an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce.
Issue
Whether Arizona’s requirement that cantaloupes grown in Arizona be packaged within the state before shipment violated the Dormant Commerce Clause.
Holding
The Court struck down the Arizona requirement, finding the burden it imposed on interstate commerce was clearly excessive in relation to the putative local benefits.
Rule
(Pike Balancing Test) A facially neutral law with incidental burdens on interstate commerce is valid unless the burden on commerce is clearly excessive in relation to the putative local benefits.