COMMERCE CLAUSE

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 Alderman

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?