There is no industry in which, in the spinning and weaving of silk, the deft fingers of young children have been for generations regarded as essential. With the large exception of the cigar, tobacco, and paper trades … the industries of Illinois are essentially men's trades  [read more]

Court Documents


Ritchie v. People (Illinois Supreme Court) 1895
The case challenging the constitutionality of the Illinois Factory and Workshop Inspection statute
Brief and Argument of Defendant in Error
Brief and Argument of Plaintiff in Error
Abstract of Record 1
Abstract of Record 2
Abstract of Record 3
Abstract of Record 4
Abstract of Record 5
Abstract of Record 6
Abstract of Record 7
Abstract of Record 8
Abstract of Record 9
Abstract of Record 10
Opinion of Nebraska
Various Documents

Muller v. Oregon (United States Supreme Court) 1908
The United States Supreme Court case upholding a state statute limiting the number of hours women could work in laundries, factories and mechanical establishments
Supreme Court Opinion
Brief for Plaintiff in Error
Transcript of Record 1

Ritchie v. Wayman (Illinois Supreme Court) 1910
The case brought to the Illinois Supreme Court after Muller v. Oregon.
Brief and Argument for John E. W. Wayman
Ritchie Complaint
Demurrer to Bill of Complaint
Records & Briefs
Brief and Argument for Appellees
Statement, Brief, and Argument for Appellant, Edgar T. Davies
Brief and Argument for Appellants by Louis Brandeis