Grossman v. Baumgartner

In this action, the court is called upon to decide the constitutionality of section 181.15 of the New York City Health Code which makes it “ unlawful for any person to tattoo a human being,” with the exception that “ tattooing may be performed for medical purposes by a person licensed or otherwise authorized * * * to practice medicine or osteopathy. ”

Until the challenged provision of the Health Code became effective in November, 1961, each of the plaintiffs operated a *222tattoo establishment in Coney Island, New York. Prohibited by section 181.15 from exercising their calling, they brought this…