514 U.S. 549 (1995)
United States v. Lopez represents a pivotal moment in constitutional law, marking a significant shift in the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Commerce Clause.
Does the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 exceed Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause?
Congress's power under the Commerce Clause extends to the regulation of activities that substantially affect interstate commerce.
The Supreme Court held that the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 exceeded Congress's Commerce Clause authority because possessing a gun in a local school zone is not an economic activity that might substantially affect interstate commerce.
For law students, U.S. v. Lopez is significant because it sets a clear precedent on the limitations of the Commerce Clause, marking a shift away from the expansive interpretations seen in prior decades. This case is foundational when discussing federal versus state powers and illustrates the balance of power that characterizes American federalism.