Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Missouri Sunday Closing Law Ruled Invalid; Was in Effect for 138 Years

March 13, 1963
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Missouri Supreme Court held yesterday that the staters Sunday closing laws, which have been in effect for 138 years, were invalid.

The court ruled unanimously that the Sunday laws were “incapable of rational enforcement,” as well as vague and indefinite. The ruling cited a phrase in one of the laws which exempted “articles of immediate necessity” from the ban on Sunday sales. The court held that the wording made it impossible to determine which sales were permitted and which prohibited.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement