Missouri Pac. R. v. Norwood

In 1907, Arkansas enacted a “full crew” law (affecting freight trains) requiring three brakemen on trains of 25 or more cars (Ark. Laws 1907, Act No. 116 [page 295]) and, in 1913, a “full crew” law requiring 3 switch “helpers” in all cities of the first and second class where switching movements were made across public crossings within the city limits (Ark. Laws 1913, Act No. 67 [page 211]). The validity of these laws was promptly questioned. The contest and controversy was over the third brakeman and the third switch helper; the railways contending these third men were unnecessary. The…