Griffith v. Connecticut

Citations

• 218 U.S. 563
• 31 S. Ct. 132
• 54 L. Ed. 1151
• 1910 U.S. LEXIS 2050

Syllabus

<p>Fixing maximum rates of interest on money loaned within the State by persons subject to its jurisdiction is clearly within the police power of. the'State, and the details are within legislative discretion if not unreasonably and 'arbitrarily exercised.'</p> <p>Classification, on a reasonable basis of subjects, within the police power, is within legislative discretion and a reasonable selection which is not merely arbitrary and without real difference does not deny equal protection of the laws within the meaning of thé Fourteenth Amendment.</p> <p>The statute of Connecticut of' 1907, limiting interest on loans, is not unconstitutional as denying equal protection of the laws because it excepts loans made by national and state banks' and trust companies and bona fide mortgages, on real and personal property: the classification is a reasonable one.</p> <p>The contract clause of the Federal Constitution does not give validity to contracts that are properly prohibited by statute.</p> <p>If the validity of the particular subject of classification assailed has not been so foreclosed by prior decisions as to render discussion . frivolous the motion to dismiss will be denied, but if, as in this case, it is manifest that the contention is, in view of prior decisions, without merit, the motion to affirm will prevail.</p>