CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - SEARCH AND SEIZURE - INVESTIGATIVE POWER OF FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

The Federal Trade Commission, acting pursuant to the joint resolution of Congress and the Federal Trade Commission Act, sought a writ of mandamus compelling the corporation to answer questionnaires relating to its total volume of business, net sales, net cost of materials, annual cash salary paid to each officer, etc. This information was demanded as part of a general investigation of the financial condition of agricultural products. The purpose of the investigation was to enable Congress to determine whether new legislation should be enacted or existing legislation amended. Held, the writ of mandamus should be granted. The Fourth Amendment is not violated since the demand is for information relevant to future legislation on subjects over which Congress has jurisdiction.

Federal Trade Comm. v. Nat. Biscuit Co., (D. C. N. Y. 1937) 18 F. Supp. 667.