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Introduction of Prohibition

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Prohibition Research Paper Topics

In this page dedicated to Prohibition research paper topics , we delve into the captivating era of alcohol prohibition in the United States. This abstract provides an overview of the content and aims of the page, offering students a glimpse into the comprehensive list of research paper topics, an insightful article on Prohibition, and valuable guidance on how to choose and write a research paper on this intriguing subject. Whether you are fascinated by the social, cultural, or political aspects of Prohibition, this page will serve as your guide in unleashing your potential to uncover its historical significance.

100 Prohibition Research Paper Topics

The Prohibition era in the United States, spanning from 1920 to 1933, was a transformative period marked by the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This comprehensive list of Prohibition research paper topics is designed to provide students with a wide array of subjects to explore and analyze within this captivating historical context. Organized into ten categories, each consisting of ten topics, these research paper ideas will inspire students to delve into various aspects of Prohibition, including its social, political, economic, legal, and cultural dimensions.

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Origins and Impact of Prohibition

• The Temperance Movement: Pioneers and Influential Figures
• Prohibition Amendments: From the 18th to the 21st
• Prohibition and Social Change: Women’s Suffrage and Beyond
• Bootlegging and Organized Crime During Prohibition
• The Repeal of Prohibition: 21st Amendment and Its Aftermath
• Prohibition’s Influence on American Society and Culture
• Prohibition and Public Health: Impact on Alcohol Consumption
• The Volstead Act: Legislation and Enforcement Challenges
• Prohibition’s Legacy: Long-term Effects on Alcohol Regulation
• Prohibition and the Great Depression: Economic Ramifications

Prohibition and Law Enforcement

• Prohibition Agents: Roles, Challenges, and Successes
• The Rise of Gangsters and Mobsters During Prohibition
• Prohibition Raids and Their Impact on Speakeasies
• Corruption and Bribery in Law Enforcement During Prohibition
• The Temperance Movement’s Role in Shaping Law Enforcement
• Prohibition and the Creation of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics
• Prohibition and the Formation of the Coast Guard’s Rum Patrol
• The Role of Informants and Undercover Agents in Prohibition
• Prohibition Agents’ Surveillance Techniques and Strategies
• The Decline of Prohibition Agents after Repeal

Prohibition and Politics

• Political Figures and Their Stance on Prohibition
• The Anti-Saloon League: Prominent Advocates and Achievements
• Prohibition Party: Formation, Objectives, and Influence
• Prohibition and Presidential Elections: Voting Patterns and Impact
• The Dry vs. Wet Debate: Political and Social Ideologies
• Prohibition Advocacy in the Media: Newspapers and Magazines
• Prohibition’s Influence on Political Campaigns and Propaganda
• Prohibition’s Effect on Local and State Politics
• The Women’s Christian Temperance Union: Grassroots Advocacy
• The Role of Religious Groups in Prohibition Advocacy

Prohibition and Public Opinion

• Public Perception of Prohibition: Support and Opposition
• Prohibition and the Temperance Movement’s Public Relations
• The Impact of Prohibition on Alcohol Consumption Patterns
• Media Portrayal of Prohibition: Cartoons, Posters, and Advertisements
• Prohibition’s Effect on Public Health and Social Welfare
• Prohibition and Public Demonstrations: Rallies and Protests
• Prohibition and Public Discourse on Individual Liberties
• Public Sentiments Toward Bootleggers and Speakeasies
• The Media’s Role in Shaping Public Opinion on Prohibition
• Prohibition’s Impact on Immigrant Communities and Ethnic Groups

Prohibition and Culture

• Prohibition’s Influence on Art, Literature, and Music
• The Roaring Twenties: Cultural Expression and Rebellion
• Prohibition and the Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Contributions
• Flappers and the Changing Roles of Women During Prohibition
• Prohibition and the Evolution of American Cuisine
• Prohibition’s Influence on Film and Theater
• The Birth of Jazz Age Culture and Its Connection to Prohibition
• Cultural Icons and Personalities During Prohibition
• Prohibition’s Effect on Sports and Entertainment
• Cultural Significance of Prohibition in Modern America

Prohibition and Organized Crime

• The Rise of Al Capone: Chicago’s Crime Boss
• Bootlegging: Production, Distribution, and Supply Chain
• The Role of Speakeasies in Prohibition Culture
• Prohibition and the Mafia: Organized Crime Syndicates
• The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: Infamous Crime Event
• Prohibition and the Rise of Gang Warfare
• The Beer Wars: Rivalries and Conflicts Among Bootleggers
• The Prohibition and Moonshine Trade in Rural Areas
• Gangland Murders and Assassinations During Prohibition
• Prohibition and the Formation of Crime Families

Prohibition and Social Reform

• Prohibition and Women’s Empowerment: Changing Roles
• The Impact of Prohibition on African American Communities
• Prohibition’s Effect on Native American Reservations
• Prohibition and LGBTQ+ Communities: Hidden Histories
• The Temperance Movement’s Educational Efforts
• Prohibition and the Promotion of Health and Hygiene
• Prohibition’s Influence on Public Morality and Ethics
• Prohibition and the Spread of Religious Revivalism
• The Intersection of Prohibition and Social Justice Movements
• Prohibition’s Legacy: Impact on Minority Rights

Prohibition’s International Impact

• Prohibition in Other Countries: Global Perspectives
• Prohibition and International Alcohol Trade
• Prohibition’s Influence on Global Alcohol Policies
• Smuggling and Bootlegging Across International Borders
• International Temperance Movements and Prohibition Advocacy
• Prohibition’s Effect on Cross-Border Relations
• Prohibition and International Diplomacy
• Prohibition’s Legacy in Global Alcohol Regulation
• Prohibition’s Influence on Alcohol Consumption Worldwide
• The Aftermath of Prohibition: Lessons for International Alcohol Policy

Prohibition and Economic Consequences

• Prohibition’s Impact on the Brewing Industry
• The Economic Costs of Enforcing Prohibition Laws
• Prohibition and the Creation of New Industries
• The Decline of Saloons and Bars During Prohibition
• Prohibition and the Loss of Government Revenue
• Prohibition and the Growth of Bootlegging Economies
• The Economic Impact of Repealing Prohibition
• Prohibition’s Effect on Consumer Spending
• Prohibition’s Influence on Agricultural Practices
• The Economic Legacies of Prohibition in Modern Times

Prohibition and Legal Perspectives

• Supreme Court Cases and Prohibition: Legal Challenges
• The Constitutionality of Prohibition: Legal Debates
• Prohibition and the Right to Privacy: Fourth Amendment Issues
• The Role of Lawyers and Judges in Prohibition Cases
• Legal Loopholes and Workarounds During Prohibition
• Prohibition’s Effect on Criminal Sentencing and Punishment
• Legal Opposition and Advocacy Groups During Prohibition
• Prohibition and Civil Liberties: First Amendment Concerns
• Prohibition’s Influence on Due Process and Fair Trials
• The Prohibition Era and Its Impact on Modern Legal Thought

This comprehensive list of Prohibition research paper topics provides students with a diverse range of subjects to explore within the complex and fascinating era of Prohibition. By examining various aspects of Prohibition’s origins, impact, politics, economics, social dynamics, and cultural expressions, students can develop insightful research papers that shed light on this transformative period in American history. The ten categories and their respective Prohibition research paper topics offer a wealth of opportunities to investigate the complexities and consequences of Prohibition, ensuring that students can choose a research area that aligns with their interests and objectives.

Exploring Prohibition Research Paper Topics

Prohibition, also known as the Prohibition Era, was a significant period in American history that lasted from 1920 to 1933. It was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The 18th Amendment, which officially established Prohibition, aimed to address social issues, promote public health, and reduce crime rates associated with excessive alcohol consumption. This era saw the rise of speakeasies, bootlegging, and organized crime, along with heated debates over individual liberties and government intervention. In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted aspects of Prohibition, exploring its origins, impact, social dynamics, cultural expressions, and eventual repeal.

The Temperance Movement and the Push for Prohibition

The roots of Prohibition can be traced back to the Temperance Movement, a social reform movement that gained momentum in the 19th century. Advocates of temperance believed that alcohol consumption led to moral decay, domestic violence, and a range of social issues. Led by organizations like the Anti-Saloon League and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the movement campaigned for alcohol restrictions and ultimately influenced the passage of the 18th Amendment. The Temperance Movement’s influence extended beyond advocating for Prohibition, as it also shaped public perceptions of alcohol and its impact on society.

The 18th Amendment

Prohibition Becomes Law: In 1919, the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, officially prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. This marked the beginning of the Prohibition Era, a time when the government attempted to regulate personal behavior through legislation. The amendment was a result of growing concerns about the negative effects of alcohol on American society and public health. It represented a significant shift in the role of government in shaping the behaviors and choices of citizens.

Social Impact of Prohibition

Prohibition had far-reaching effects on American society. It gave rise to speakeasies, illegal drinking establishments that flourished in urban areas, as well as an underground economy driven by bootlegging. Organized crime syndicates, like those led by figures such as Al Capone, profited immensely from the illegal alcohol trade. The enforcement of Prohibition led to unintended consequences, as it created new opportunities for criminal activity and corruption among law enforcement officials.

The Volstead Act and Enforcement Challenges

To enforce the 18th Amendment, the Volstead Act was passed, defining intoxicating liquors and providing guidelines for enforcement. However, the Act faced numerous challenges, including corruption among law enforcement officials, inadequate resources, and the difficulty of monitoring vast illicit networks. The limitations of the Volstead Act contributed to the rise of a black market for alcohol and the growth of organized crime, leading to increased violence and public safety concerns.

Cultural Responses to Prohibition

The Prohibition Era gave rise to a unique cultural expression, as people found ways to circumvent the law and continue consuming alcohol. Jazz-age culture and the emergence of the flapper persona embodied the spirit of rebellion against societal norms. Speakeasies became hubs of social life, where people gathered to enjoy music, dance, and camaraderie while defying the restrictions on alcohol consumption.

Opposition and Repeal of Prohibition

As the negative consequences of Prohibition became apparent, opposition to the ban grew. Economic hardships during the Great Depression further fueled calls for repeal. In 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, officially ending Prohibition. The repeal of Prohibition marked a significant moment in American history, as it reflected a shift in public sentiment and recognition of the limitations of alcohol prohibition as a social policy.

Legacy and Lessons of Prohibition

The Prohibition Era left a lasting impact on American society. While it did not achieve its intended goals of reducing crime and improving public health, it sparked discussions on the balance between individual freedoms and government intervention. The era also highlighted the potential consequences of enacting sweeping social policies without proper consideration of their implications. The lessons learned from Prohibition continue to resonate in modern debates over social and public health policies, as well as discussions on the role of government in regulating personal behaviors.

Prohibition in the Context of Modern Alcohol Regulation

Today, the Prohibition Era serves as a historical reference point in debates over alcohol regulation, drug policies, and individual liberties. The lessons from Prohibition have influenced subsequent approaches to alcohol regulation, with a greater emphasis on harm reduction, public health, and education. Understanding the complexities and failures of Prohibition has informed modern-day efforts to address alcohol-related issues through evidence-based policy-making.

The Prohibition Era remains a captivating and complex period in American history, characterized by its impact on society, culture, and politics. This article has explored the origins of Prohibition, the impact of the 18th Amendment, social and cultural responses, the challenges of enforcement, and the eventual repeal. By understanding the multifaceted aspects of Prohibition, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of public policy, individual liberties, and the role of government in shaping society. The Prohibition Era serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and evidence-based approaches to social reforms. As we reflect on this chapter of American history, we recognize the significance of learning from past mistakes and successes to inform present and future decision-making.

How to Choose Prohibition Research Paper Topics

Selecting the right research paper topic is crucial for a successful and engaging academic project. When it comes to studying Prohibition, a fascinating and transformative period in American history, the abundance of potential research topics may seem overwhelming. In this section, we will provide you with practical guidance on how to choose Prohibition research paper topics that are compelling, relevant, and capable of offering fresh insights into this historical era.

• Understand the Context and Significance : Before choosing a research paper topic on Prohibition, it is essential to understand the historical context and significance of this period. Familiarize yourself with the events leading up to the enactment of the 18th Amendment, the temperance movement, and the societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Understanding the broader historical context will help you identify specific areas of interest and potential research questions.
• Identify Gaps in Existing Literature : Conducting a thorough literature review is a crucial step in choosing a research paper topic. Look for existing studies, books, and articles related to Prohibition to identify gaps in the current scholarship. These gaps can serve as valuable entry points for your research, allowing you to contribute to the existing body of knowledge and offer new perspectives on the subject.
• Consider Different Perspectives : Prohibition is a complex and multi-faceted historical event that impacted various aspects of American society. Consider exploring the topic from different perspectives, such as political, social, economic, and cultural. For example, you could examine the role of women in the temperance movement or the economic implications of Prohibition on industries and businesses.
• Focus on Local or Regional Impact : Prohibition had varying effects across different regions of the United States. Consider narrowing your research to focus on the local or regional impact of Prohibition in specific cities or states. This approach will enable you to delve deeper into the unique experiences and challenges faced by different communities during this era.
• Examine Resistance and Opposition : Prohibition was met with significant opposition, with many individuals and groups openly defying the law. Investigate the resistance to Prohibition, including the rise of bootlegging, speakeasies, and the involvement of organized crime. Exploring the reasons behind the widespread non-compliance with the ban can provide valuable insights into the limitations of social policies.
• Analyze the Role of Media and Popular Culture : The Prohibition Era had a profound impact on popular culture, influencing music, literature, and film. Investigate how the media portrayed Prohibition and its consequences, and how popular culture both reflected and shaped public perceptions of this historical period.
• Explore the Repeal of Prohibition : The repeal of Prohibition in 1933 marked a significant turning point in American history. Consider exploring the events and factors that led to the repeal of the 18th Amendment, such as the role of interest groups, the economic impact of the Great Depression, and changing societal attitudes towards alcohol.
• Incorporate Primary Sources : To add depth and authenticity to your research, utilize primary sources from the Prohibition Era. These may include newspaper articles, government documents, personal diaries, photographs, and oral histories. Analyzing primary sources can offer firsthand accounts and insights into the experiences of people living during Prohibition.
• Consult with Your Instructor or Advisor : If you are struggling to choose a research paper topic, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your instructor or academic advisor. They can provide valuable feedback, suggest additional resources, and help you refine your research question.
• Stay Passionate and Curious : Finally, choose a research paper topic that genuinely interests you. Staying passionate and curious about the subject will motivate you throughout the research process and ensure that your work is engaging and insightful.

Choosing the right Prohibition research paper topic is an essential step in crafting a compelling and impactful academic project. By understanding the historical context, identifying gaps in existing literature, considering different perspectives, focusing on local impact, examining resistance and opposition, analyzing the role of media and popular culture, exploring the repeal of Prohibition, incorporating primary sources, and seeking guidance from instructors, you can select a topic that sparks your curiosity and contributes to the broader understanding of this transformative period in American history. Remember to stay passionate and committed to your research, and your exploration of Prohibition will yield valuable insights and a meaningful academic contribution.

How to Write a Prohibition Research Paper

Writing a research paper on Prohibition requires careful planning, rigorous research, and effective organization. This section will guide you through the step-by-step process of writing a compelling and well-structured Prohibition research paper. From formulating a strong thesis statement to presenting your findings coherently, we will provide you with valuable tips to ensure your paper is engaging and academically sound.

• Develop a Strong Thesis Statement : A strong thesis statement is the foundation of your research paper. It should clearly and concisely state the main argument or central theme of your paper. In the case of a Prohibition research paper, your thesis statement should highlight the specific aspect of Prohibition that you will be exploring and the main conclusions you intend to draw from your research.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : Prohibition is a multifaceted and historically rich topic, so conducting in-depth research is crucial. Utilize a variety of reputable sources, including books, academic journals, government documents, and primary sources from the Prohibition Era. Be sure to critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of each source to ensure the accuracy of your information.
• Create an Outline : Organize your research and ideas by creating a detailed outline for your research paper. An outline will serve as a roadmap for your writing, helping you maintain a logical flow of information and a coherent structure throughout the paper. Divide your research into sections and subsections, each focusing on a specific aspect of Prohibition.
• Introduction : Begin your research paper with an engaging introduction that provides background information on Prohibition and its historical context. Introduce the significance of the topic and its relevance to contemporary issues. End your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement that sets the direction for the rest of the paper.
• Body Paragraphs : In the body of your research paper, present your arguments and findings in a systematic manner. Each body paragraph should focus on a single idea or argument supported by evidence from your research. Use topic sentences to introduce the main point of each paragraph and provide smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain the coherence of your paper.
• Incorporate Primary Sources : To enrich your Prohibition research paper, incorporate primary sources from the Prohibition Era. Primary sources, such as newspaper articles, letters, speeches, and photographs, offer firsthand accounts and perspectives from individuals who lived during that time. Analyzing primary sources can add authenticity and depth to your research.
• Analyze and Interpret Data : If your research paper includes data or statistical information, take the time to analyze and interpret the data accurately. Use charts, graphs, and tables to present your data visually and draw meaningful conclusions from your analysis. Ensure that your data is properly sourced and cited.
• Address Counterarguments : A well-rounded research paper acknowledges counterarguments and addresses potential criticisms of your thesis. Anticipate opposing viewpoints and use evidence and logical reasoning to refute them. This will strengthen your argument and demonstrate the depth of your research.
• Conclusion : Conclude your research paper by summarizing your main findings and restating your thesis statement. Reflect on the significance of your research and its implications for understanding Prohibition’s impact on American history and society. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and focus on leaving a lasting impression on your readers.
• Citations and References : Properly cite all the sources you have used in your research paper, following the appropriate citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, etc.). Create a comprehensive list of references at the end of your paper to give credit to the authors and researchers whose work you have referenced.

Writing a successful Prohibition research paper requires careful planning, thorough research, and effective organization. By developing a strong thesis statement, conducting in-depth research, creating a well-structured outline, and presenting your findings coherently, you can craft an engaging and academically rigorous paper. Remember to incorporate primary sources, analyze and interpret data, address counterarguments, and provide proper citations and references to support your arguments and give credit to the original sources. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to creating a compelling and insightful research paper on Prohibition.

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• Expert Degree-Holding Writers : At iResearchNet, we take pride in our team of writers who are experts in the field of history, including Prohibition studies. Each writer holds an advanced degree from reputable universities, and their expertise ensures that your research paper will be well-researched, insightful, and of the highest academic standard.
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• In-Depth Research : Our writers are skilled in conducting in-depth research on Prohibition research paper topics. They have access to a wide range of reputable sources, including academic journals, books, primary sources, and historical archives, to ensure that your research paper is well-grounded and well-supported.
• Custom Formatting : Formatting your research paper according to the required citation style can be time-consuming and tedious. Let our expert writers take care of the formatting for you. Whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, or any other style, we will ensure that your paper adheres to the prescribed guidelines.
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Prohibition

By Annie Anderson

Despite the national prohibition of alcohol from 1920 to 1933, Philadelphia earned a reputation rivaling Chicago, Detroit, and New York City as a liquor-saturated municipality. The Literary Digest described Pennsylvania as a “bootlegger’s Elysium,” with every city as “wet as the Atlantic Ocean.” The Quaker City in particular was singled out, by newspapers from New Haven to Newark, as one of the wettest and wickedest cities in the United States. Philadelphia and Atlantic City, New Jersey, a seaside resort town that served as a major port of entry for illegal liquor, were considered “open towns” during Prohibition—open in their defiance of liquor laws.

Prohibition began in 1919 with the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment , which made the production, transportation, and sale of alcohol illegal. Although the Eighteenth Amendment took effect nationally in 1920, several states enacted prohibition before then, including Delaware on March 18, 1918, and Pennsylvania on February 25, 1919. New Jersey ratified the Eighteenth Amendment on March 9, 1922. A confluence of social forces brought Prohibition to the national stage after nearly a century of Protestant criticism aimed at the supposed moral laxity induced by alcohol. In the early 1900s, the United States saw a rise in xenophobia against immigrants whom nativists associated with alcohol—especially those of Irish and German descent. Factions of the women’s suffrage movement propped up their claims to full citizenship by proclaiming a distinctly feminine moral authority, guided by temperance. Advocates of clean government and clean living argued that the elimination of the saloon would promote moral character and curtail the power that political bosses held. Prohibition encapsulated the Progressive Era ’s impulse toward reform.

Though drinking moved underground with the introduction of Prohibition, Philadelphians actually had more saloons and watering holes to choose from after the law was enacted. The supposed abolition of bars and liquor dispensaries allowed for the emergence of a black market economy regulated only by bootleggers. Journalists reported that Pennsylvania’s largest cities, including Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Scranton, showed no pretense of obeying the Prohibition laws. Philadelphia, meanwhile, was the worst Prohibition violator in the Commonwealth, allowing its citizens considerable ease and freedom to obtain intoxicating beverages. Philadelphia had long been one of the nation’s leading beer brewing capitals. Though some breweries switched to making “near beer” (a malt beverage with an alcohol content of less than 0.5%) and soft drinks during Prohibition, many continued brewing beer. Philadelphia police suspected and pounced on the illegal activity. Vice raids on dozens of brewers—including Esslinger & Son, Finkenauer Brewing Co., Liebert & Obert, Roehm Brewing Co., and Philadelphia Brewing Co.—turned up high-powered beer. Most Philadelphia breweries failed or were padlocked out of existence by the early 1930s. A city of nearly 100 breweries in the 1880s, Philadelphia had just 10 licensed breweries when Prohibition ended in 1933.

A Cyclical Pattern of Corruption

A city of two million residents, Philadelphia accommodated as many as 16,000 speakeasies during Prohibition. City officials, public servants, bootleggers, and consumers contributed to a cyclical pattern of corruption around the management and distribution of vice. Long before Prohibition, the Republican political machine used the police as a central tool in maintaining control over the city’s various districts. Philadelphia police officers, many taking bribes from bootleggers, prostitution houses, and other illegal entities, contributed to corrupt ward politicians who hand-picked police captains and provided job protection. One policeman estimated that politicians took one day’s pay per month from each of the 7,000 men employed as police officers and firefighters. While Prohibition did not invent corruption among political and law enforcement entities in Philadelphia, it exacerbated established patterns of misconduct. As the 1920s wore on, bootlegging gangs wreaked violent havoc on the city, while officials took a cut of their profits. In describing the Quaker City’s entrenched machine politics and lax law enforcement, journalists resurrected the nickname “ corrupt and contented ,” first used by Lincoln Steffens in 1903.

Philadelphia received help from the federal government twice in the 1920s to combat its Prohibition-fueled crime problem. The first intervention involved the appointment of General Smedley Butler (1881-1940), a decorated Marine, as director of public safety—the equivalent of police commissioner—in 1924. While running for mayor in 1923, Freeland Kendrick (1874-1953) pleaded with President Calvin Coolidge to release Butler from the Marine Corps to Philadelphia. Coolidge complied, and Butler, originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania, arrived in January 1924 with a mandate to clean up the vice-ridden city. Over the course of Butler’s first year in Philadelphia, police closed more than 2,500 speakeasies, compared to just 220 the previous year. While raids and arrests increased during Butler’s tenure, liquor law violators saw few repercussions. In 1925, of the 10,000 individuals arrested on the charge of conducting a speakeasy, only a few hundred were punished with more than a light fine.

Despite—and perhaps because of—Butler’s tenacity in pursuing Prohibition violators, he immediately clashed with Kendrick and the Republican political machine, including South Philadelphia ward boss William Vare (1867-1934). Butler left his post as director of public safety in December 1925. Many observed that his honesty and zealous commitment to enforcing Prohibition contributed to his speedy exit from Philadelphia. Upon his departure, Butler called Philadelphia the “cesspool” of Pennsylvania, and implored Quaker City citizens to demand honesty from their politicians.

A Crime Crescendo in 1928

Gangland murders, as well as Philadelphians’ continued disregard for liquor laws, reached a breaking point in the summer of 1928. Judge Edwin O. Lewis (1879-1974) charged the Special August Grand Jury with investigating organized bootlegging syndicates, gang violence, and police corruption. Investigators and journalists attributed twenty deaths in the year preceding the inquiry to bootlegging gangs vying for territory. Once again, the federal government intervened to help Philadelphia with its Prohibition-fueled crime problem. Prohibition officials in Washington ordered a unit of the Internal Revenue Service ’s intelligence department to Philadelphia to aid the investigation.

The grand jury revealed that hundreds of police officers received bribes for protecting bootlegging operations and illegal taverns. Twenty-four high-ranking police officers, each paid $1,500 to $2,500 in an annual salary, had accumulated $750,000 in assets amongst them. The grand jury’s final report found 138 police officers unfit for service, but failed to garner any indictments against the city’s organized bootlegging outfits.

Prohibition—like the prominent 1928 investigation initiated to curtail bootlegging, payoffs, and violence—proved a failure in Philadelphia, costly in financial and political terms, but also in human lives. One Philadelphia coroner noted that every day ten to twelve deaths from poison liquor, including denatured industrial alcohol improperly distilled, came to his attention. Still more deaths, including untold unreported or unsolved murders, resulted from the violence that sprang up between warring bootleg factions.

A Widespread Disregard of Prohibition

Philadelphians, like many Americans, disregarded Prohibition en masse. Despite the federal mandate, residents of the Quaker City continued to consume alcohol (legal), thereby spurring its production, transportation, and sale (all illegal). In the working class saloons of Brewerytown and Kensington , and the ritzy hotels dotting Center City ’s Broad Street , Philadelphians of divergent classes saw alcohol as social ritual and social fabric. Many advocates for repeal argued that this widespread lawlessness undermined American values, creating a nation of hypocrites. Other critics of Prohibition observed that a multitude of organized crime networks sprung up to control bootlegging, creating a dangerous black market business. Still others exposed Prohibition’s financial failings, an argument that gained potency after the stock market crash of 1929.  Prohibition was costly to enforce, and the government lost millions—if not billions—of dollars in liquor tax revenue. Organizations such as the Association Against the Prohibition Amendment, which counted several members of the wealthy Delaware Valley du Pont family as its leaders, worked to defeat Prohibition. With the passage of the Twenty-First Amendment in 1933, the Eighteenth Amendment mandating Prohibition was repealed.

Liquor laws in Pennsylvania—as well as a slew of South Jersey towns—harken back to an earlier era when temperance advocates held public office. Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot , a reform-minded “dry” politician, created the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board days before Prohibition ended so that the state would retain some control over the sale and distribution of liquor. Little has changed since Pinchot’s action; Pennsylvania is one of two states (the other is Utah) in which liquor is sold only in state-run stores. Though private retailers may sell beer, the state regulates when, where, and how much. Attempts to privatize liquor sales have met with a measure of popular and political support. However, resistance from the United Food and Commercial Workers’ Union , which represents liquor store clerks, and legislative gridlock have swiftly dissolved these efforts.

Annie Anderson is the senior research and public programming specialist at Eastern State Penitentiary and the co-author, with John Binder, of Philadelphia Organized Crime in the 1920s and 1930s (Arcadia Publishing, 2014). She received her M.A. in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts-Boston.

Copyright 2015, Rutgers University

Smedley Butler Destroying Kegs of Beer

Library of Congress

Philadelphia received help from the federal government twice in the 1920s to combat its Prohibition-fueled crime problem. The first intervention involved the appointment of General Smedley Butler (1881-1940), shown here in 1924 destroying a barrel of beer. Butler was a decorated Marine who became director of public safety—the equivalent of police commissioner—in 1924. While running for mayor in 1923, Freeland Kendrick (1873-1953) pleaded with President Calvin Coolidge to release Butler from the Marine Corps to Philadelphia. Coolidge complied, and Butler, originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania, arrived in January 1924 with a mandate to clean up the vice-ridden city. Over the course of Butler’s first year in Philadelphia, police closed more than 2,500 speakeasies, compared to just 220 the previous year. While raids and arrests increased during Butler’s tenure, liquor law violators saw few repercussions.

Smedley Butler

Major Smedley Butler, born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1881 and seen here in 1910, had a thirty-four-year career as a U.S. Marine. He participated in military action in China, Central America, France, and other countries, and later became a major general. In 1924, Butler was asked to serve as director of public safety for the city of Philadelphia. The city government was notoriously corrupt, and Butler, a man with high moral standards, initially refused. However, after President Calvin Coolidge requested his service, the general took the job.

During his time in city government, Butler made it clear that he was not on the side of corruption. He fired corrupt officers and ordered raids on thousands of speakeasies, closing or destroying many of the illegal drinking establishments. Though Butler cut crime rates and cleaned up the city, the attack on alcohol was too much for the city's political machine and the general fell out of favor quickly, resigning after only two years.

Police Testing a New Speedboat in 1925

Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries

Over the course of Smedley Butler’s first year as Philadelphia’s director of safety, police closed more than 2,500 speakeasies, compared to just 220 the previous year. Butler’s tenacity in pursuing Prohibition violators extended to the waterfront, patrolled by a new police speedboat obtained at Butler’s direction and seen here during a test trip in 1925. Butler’s desire to stop Prohibition violations immediately clashed with Mayor Freeland Kendrick and the Republican political machine. By December 1925, Butler left his post as director of public safety and many observed that his honesty and zealous commitment to enforcing Prohibition contributed to his speedy exit from Philadelphia. Upon his departure, Butler called Philadelphia the “cesspool” of Pennsylvania, and implored Quaker City citizens to demand honesty from their politicians.

Mayor Freeland Kendrick and Senator William Vare

While running for mayor in 1923, Freeland Kendrick (1873-1953), here on the left, pleaded with President Calvin Coolidge to release Smedley Butler from the Marine Corps to Philadelphia. Coolidge agreed, and Butler arrived in January 1924 with a mandate to clean up the vice-ridden city. Despite—and perhaps because of—Butler’s tenacity in pursuing Prohibition violators, he immediately clashed with Kendrick and the Republican political machine, including South Philadelphia ward boss William Vare (1867-1934), on the right in this photo from January 1927.

Special August Grand Jury of 1928

The murders that jump-started the Special August Grand Jury of 1928 were those of Hugh McLoon and Daniel O’Leary. McLoon, a humpbacked little person who in the 1910s served as the mascot for the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team, managed prizefighters and operated a speakeasy at Tenth and Cuthbert Streets. When he was killed in a drive-by shooting outside his nightclub and O’Leary died in a revenge-style killing, Judge Edwin O. Lewis tasked the grand jury with probing the liquor trade and eliminating the banditry and thuggery surrounding it.

District Attorney John Monaghan (1870-1954), leading the investigation, publicly outed the well-known boxing promoter Max “Boo Boo” Hoff (1895-1941) as the “King of the Bootleggers." Monaghan padlocked more than 1,000 speakeasies and claimed to have closed every brewery and distillery in Philadelphia.

Though Hoff owned several well-known speakeasies and entertained the likes of Al Capone, he escaped a liquor charge.

The grand jury's revelations included detailed financial minutiae—high-level bootleggers had accumulated about $10 million in liquor racket earnings—as well as embarrassing testimony—Philadelphia Director of Public Safety George Elliott and several high-ranking police officers were on Hoff's Christmas gift list. As the grand jury's disclosures reached the press, Collier’s magazine noted that lawlessness was the price Philadelphia had to pay for what it wanted to drink. Indeed, a culture of desperado vengeance and violent intimidation around liquor trafficking saturated the city before—and prevailed beyond—Monaghan's ambitious investigation.

The Special August Grand Jury did not shift public opinion against Prohibition or halt bootlegging-related gang violence. Within three years of the investigation's close, one of the city’s most prominent bootleggers, Mickey Duffy (1888-1931), was slain in his hotel suite in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Infighting appears to have killed Duffy (his murder was never solved), as well as several underlings who grabbed for power in his absence.

Celebrating the Repeal of Prohibition

This photograph, from December of 1933, shows a Philadelphia man and two women celebrating the repeal of Prohibition. Alcohol was illegal for fourteen years and when the passing of the Twenty-First Amendment repealed the Eighteenth Amendment, celebrations were held across the country. Though taverns were once predominantly male-dominated spaces, the desire to consume alcohol in secret forced men and women into close quarters together. After the repeal of Prohibition, speakeasy culture influenced the way men and women participated in nightlife. Many taverns ceased to be male only, and led to the modern bar of the twenty-first century, where men and women often drink and socialize together.

Related Topics

• Corrupt and Contented
• Greater Philadelphia
• Philadelphia and the Nation

Time Periods

• Twentieth Century to 1945
• Center City Philadelphia
• Bootlegging
• Children’s Aid Society of Pennsylvania
• Great Depression
• Immigration (1870-1930)
• Police Department (Philadelphia)

Related Reading

Anderson, Anne Margaret and John J. Binder. Philadelphia Organized Crime in the 1920s and 1930s . Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia Publishing, 2014.

Baldwin, Fred D. “Smedley D. Butler and Prohibition Enforcement in Philadelphia, 1924-1925.” Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 84 (July 1960): 352-368

Funderburg, J. Anne. Bootleggers and Beer Barons of the Prohibition Era . Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, 2014.

Haller, Mark H. “Philadelphia Bootlegging and the Report of the Special August Grand Jury.” Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 109 (April 1985): 215-233.

Kobler, John. Ardent Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition . New York: De Capo Press, 1973.

Leichtman, Ellen C. “The Machine, the Mayor, and the Marine: The Battle over Prohibition in Philadelphia, 1924-1925.” Pennsylvania History 82 (Spring 2015), 109-139.

Okrent, Daniel. Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition . New York: Simon and Schuster, 2010.

Pegram, Thomas R. “Brewing Trouble: Federal, State, and Private Authority in Pennsylvania Prohibition Enforcement Under Gifford Pinchot, 1923-27.” Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography 138 (April 2014): 163-191.

The Special August Grand Jury (1928), Committee of Seventy, Grand Jury Investigations, Box 7, Temple University Libraries, Special Collections Research Center.

Related Collections

Eastern State Penitentiary , 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia.

Independence Seaport Museum , J. Welles Henderson Archives & Library, Bill McCoy scrapbooks, Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia City Archives , Record Group 38: Inspector of County Prisons and Record Group 79: Philadelphia Police, 3101 Market Street, Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania State Police Historical, Educational & Memorial Center , 187 E. Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, Pa.

Temple University, Special Collections Research Center , Paley Library, 1210 Polett Walk, Philadelphia.

Related Places

Eastern State Penitentiary , 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, imprisoned a number of bootleggers, including Mickey Duffy, Peter Ford, Francis Bailey, and Al Capone.

1321 Locust Street, the site of one of Max “Boo Boo” Hoff’s speakeasies, The 21 Club.

The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co ., 112 S. Eighteenth Street, Philadelphia, a speakeasy-style drinking establishment named for Max “Boo Boo” Hoff’s industrial alcohol firm.

Backgrounders

Connecting Headlines with History

• Prohibition left lasting mark on national identity (WHYY, September 30, 2011)
• Constitution Center to focus on 'American Spirits,' the Prohibition years (WHYY, July 31, 2012)
• Could Pa. liquor privatization reignite this year? (WHYY, October 5, 2013)
• Pa. State Police don't care if you're a bootlegger (WHYY, September 3, 2014)
• Potable Power: Delaware Valley Bootlegging During Prohibition (Temple University Libraries)
• Beer and Brewing History at Hagley Museum and Library
• Brewed in Philly (Free Library of Philadelphia)
• A Saint Guided By Spirits (Hidden City Philadelphia)
• Ground Zero for Philadelphia Beer (The PhillyHistory Blog)
• American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition (National Constitution Center)
• Indomitable Spirits: Prohibition in the United States (Exhibit, Digital Public Library of America)
• Renovations in Bella Vista Reveal Barber Supply and Bootlegging Biz (Hidden City)

Connecting the Past with the Present, Building Community, Creating a Legacy

Economic And Social Aspects of The Prohibition Essay

Social aspects of the prohibition, economic aspect of prohibition.

Prohibition or the 18th amendment was an act that was implemented on January 16, 1920, in the United States of America according to which any business related to intoxicating liquor such as import, export, transport, selling, buying, and manufacturing were declared legally prohibited. The basic purpose behind the implementation of this Act was to reduce the rate of alcohol consumption which would further improve the quality of life and economy and would reduce the increasing rate of crime, death due to alcohol, and poverty (Bowen, 1969). Thornton (1998) stated that the Act failed to achieve its intended purpose. Instead, it further aggravated the situation which it wanted to solve.

Historians have reviewed the Prohibition Act and have declared it ineffective since it was unenforceable. The Act led to the rise of several social problems, such as a massive increase in the rate of organized crime, alcohol consumption, murder, and corruption among city officials. Economically the country suffered under prohibition because the government did not collect any tax from the multi-billion dollar industry. In this paper, I aim to highlight the social and economic aspects of the prohibition, which shall be discussed in detail.

The prohibition led to the rise of alcohol smuggling. Bowen (1969) writes that the prohibition failed because the government could not control the massive flow of illegal liquor from different countries, including Canada. Illegal alcohol was smuggled from overseas, government warehouses, and was produced privately. There were only 1550 agents of the newly established Federal Prohibition Bureau, which was not sufficient for the 18,700 miles coastline, which made it easy for the bootleggers to smuggle alcohol into the country. The success of the bootleggers is evident from the fact that the government could not capture even 5% of the smuggled alcohol (Wenburn, 1991). Alcohol was smuggled in hip flasks, empty canes, or anything that could be found. There was an increase in illegal speakeasies, and by 1925, New York City had 100,000 speakeasies. Not only New York but all the major cities had speakeasies. In fact, under prohibition, the number of speakeasies grew twice the number of saloons closed due to the Act. The situation made bootlegging a very attractive and competitive market (Bowen, 1969).

Prohibition led to the rise in bribery. Wenburn (1991) states that the lucrative market of illegal alcohol fell in the hands of gangsters related to organized crimes. According to Bowen (1969), the gangsters secured their business by bribing high city officials. Many government officials and people holding important political posts such as mayors, judges, senators, governors, and Police Chiefs had their names written on the payrolls of the organized crime dealers.

Laws were violated under prohibition. Bowen (1969) states that it has been studied that alcohol consumption during the Prohibition period was higher than the pre Prohibition period. Not only laws related to alcohol consumption were violated, but its manufacturing, transport, import, and export continued. The price of beer rose since it had to be transported in large barrels. This change led Americans to drink less beer, but at the same time, they started consuming more potent alcohol, which was cheap and easy to transport. Thus the Americans got more drunk by drinking less. In 1920 the recorded number of deaths due to potent alcohol was 1064, and in 1925 the number was 4154. Arrests due to drunkenness and disorderly conduct increased by 41%, and drunken driving increased by 81%.

During prohibition, the products were made illegally and had absolutely no standard of quality. Since all the purchases and dealing of illegal products were made through the black market, there was no fear of lawsuits or publically defamation. Thus prohibition gave a free hand to the profiteers who produced sub-standard items and made money out of them (Morgan, 1982).

Another negative aspect related to prohibition was the rise of organized crime. Organized crime dealers such as Al Capone took charge of the illegal alcohol smuggling business. Since alcohol was prohibited, so people had to turn to organized crime dealers for alcohol. Under prohibition, Al Capone earned about 100 million dollars annually. The organized crime dealers had secured their business by bribing influential people of the city. Thornton (1998) states that the number of speakeasies increased during prohibition. Speakeasies made it easy for any man to obtain alcohol from any street. They were actually present in the basements of office buildings and allowed only members to enter. Rival gangs were set up to gain profit from the bootlegging industry. The “profit motive” led the organized crime dealers to 400 murders annually in Chicago alone. Gang warfare became very common (Bowen, 1969).

Thornton (1998) adds that other criminal activities such as homicide increased by 78% during prohibition. Other serious crimes, including assault and battery, increased by 13%, and crimes related to victims increased by 9%. Between 1920 and 1921, the major crime rate increased to 24%. During prohibition, the number of federal convicts increased by 561%. Many legal jobs were destroyed, which resulted in increased crime, and prices were raised since the people had to pay for the prohibited items. Prohibition did reduce some minor crimes such as vagrancy, mischief, and swearing by 50%.

There was an increase in alcohol consumption under prohibition. The good point was that initially, alcohol consumption decreased. Policymakers felt that the Act was working. The years between 192-21 saw the lowest rate of alcohol consumption (Thornton, 1991). However, the decline was for a little period. People spent their hard-earned money to obtain alcohol by hook or by crook. Bowen (1969) states that alcohol produced for medicinal purposes was technically legal, but there were several rules about its dosage. A person was not allowed to consume more than one pint in ten days period. However, these laws were violated. Many advocates of the Prohibition Act are of the view that it actually helped in minimizing the rate of deaths due to alcohol consumption. According to Thornton (1998), the medicinal alcohol had 95% pure alcohol, and its sale grew to 400 percent between 1923 and 1931. For this reason, there was a rise in the deaths and arrests due to drunkenness during prohibition.

Not only had the Prohibition Act affected the country socially but economically. Also, it had its severe drawbacks. One of the major economic set back due to prohibition was the fact that the government was not taxing the multi-billion dollar per annum industry. Miron (2001) touches upon the economic aspects of prohibition in his article “The Economics of Drug Prohibition and Drug Legalization.” All the money that the bootleggers earned fell in their own pockets, which were further used to strengthen their business by bribing the high city officials and the members of their own gangs. Not a single penny was retrieved by the American government. Instead, the policymakers were found busy spending the money collected through taxes on implementing policies to enforce the Act of Prohibition. A task force called the Federal Prohibition Bureau was set up whose job was to enforce the Prohibition Act. Many officials of the Bureau were found on the payroll of the organized crime dealers. The officers spent the money of the taxpayers into prosecuting the bootleggers who got arrested. Once again, millions were spent on convicting and keeping the prisoners in jail. Thornton (1991) states that the annual budget of the Bureau of Prohibition rose from $4.4 million to $13.4 million. Employment at customs and coast guard increased by 45% and 123%, and likewise, their budget increased by 500%.

Miron (2001) writes that another economic setback caused by the prohibition was the wastage of public money on alcohol consumption. Since alcohol was not easily available, so the people had to pay more to get it. Thus the Americans found themselves in the middle of an economic crisis where their hard-earned wages were spent on getting drunk. Drunkenness affected their ability to work attentively and resulted in continued absenteeism.

This situation created a severe economic crisis for the American government who did not collect enough money which it could have collected. At the same time, the money collected through taxes was spent on useless policies that would help in making the Prohibition Act successful.

To conclude, the Prohibition Act was a great failure because it failed to achieve the goals it intended to achieve. Instead, the country found itself in the middle of economic and social crises. There was an increase in the rate of crime, murders, alcohol consumption, and deaths due to drunkenness. At the same time, corruption made its roots deep in the city, and many high officials found themselves involved in the bribery. Laws were also violated. Based on these facts, the American government finally abolished the Act after thirteen years which were declared as the years that destroyed the country to the maximum.

Bowen, E. “This Fabulous Century.”Vol. 6. New York: Time-Life Books, (1969). Pg. 154-175.

Miron, J.A. “The Economics of Drug Prohibition and Drug Legalization”. Social Research . (2001). Pg. 4. Web.

Morgan, J. P. “The Jamaica Ginger Paralysis”. Journal of the American Medical Association . 245:15 (1982): pg. 1864-1867.

Thornton, M. “Policy Analysis: Alcohol Prohibition Was a Failure.” CATO Institute (1991). Web.

Winburn, N. “The USA: A Chronicle of Pictures”. New York: Smithmark Publishers Inc., (1991). Pg. 234.

• Chicago (A-D)
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Essay Samples on Prohibition

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3. Prohibition of Usury in Quran and Islam

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Supreme Court Clears Way, for Now, for Idaho to Ban Transgender Treatment for Minors

The Idaho attorney general had asked the justices to move swiftly to let the state law, which would ban gender-affirming medical care for minors, go into effect.

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By Abbie VanSickle

Reporting from Washington

The Supreme Court temporarily allowed Idaho on Monday to enforce a ban on gender-affirming treatment for minors, effectively suggesting that some justices appear comfortable with wading into another front in the culture wars.

In siding with state officials who had asked the court to lift a block on the law as an appeal moves forward, the justices were sharply split, with a majority of the conservatives voting to allow the ban to take effect over the objections of the three liberals.

The court said the ban would apply to everyone except for the plaintiffs who brought the challenge.

Notably, the opinions focused not on transgender care, a hot-button political issue that has prompted several Republican-led legislatures to approve bills to restrict puberty-blocking drugs and hormone treatments, but on a broader legal question: universal injunctions.

Universal injunctions are when a single judge issues a sweeping decision that applies beyond those directly involved in the dispute. Some justices have signaled an interest in looking at the tactic.

Although orders in response to emergency applications often include no reasoning, the justices in this case divided into several factions.

The decision included concurrences by Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, who was joined by Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Clarence Thomas, and Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, who was joined by Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. did not note a position.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented and was joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Elena Kagan noted a dissent.

The Idaho law, passed by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature, makes it a felony for doctors to provide transgender medical care for minors, including hormone treatment.

States around the country have pushed to curtail transgender rights. At least 20 Republican-led states, including Idaho, have enacted legislation that limits access for gender transition care for minors.

In his concurrence, Justice Gorsuch said the use of a universal injunction “meant Idaho could not enforce its prohibition against surgeries to remove or alter children’s genitals, even though no party before the court had sought access to those surgeries or demonstrated that Idaho’s prohibition of them offended federal law.”

He wrote that the case broached the use of such injunctions, “a question of great significance that has been in need of the court’s attention for some time.” In recent years, he added, lower courts had overstepped their bounds by seeking “to govern an entire state or even the whole nation from their courtrooms.”

In her dissent, Justice Jackson also honed in on similar questions. But she wrote that the case, particularly given that it was brought on the emergency docket, was “not be the place to address the open and challenging questions that that issue raises.”

If there was any point of agreement in the case, it seemed to be a growing frustration with the number and scope of cases brought on the court’s emergency docket.

Justice Jackson noted that she saw “some common ground” with her conservative colleagues by agreeing that “our emergency docket seems to have become increasingly unworkable.”

The American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the plaintiffs in the case, denounced the outcome, saying it was “an awful result for transgender youth and their families across the state.”

“Today’s ruling allows the state to shut down the care that thousands of families rely on while sowing further confusion and disruption,” it said in a statement.

The Idaho attorney general, Raúl Labrador, a Republican and former member of Congress who helped found the conservative House Freedom Caucus, celebrated the decision.

“Denying the basic truth that boys and girls are biologically different hurts our kids,” Mr. Labrador said. “No one has the right to harm children, and I’m grateful that we, as the state, have the power — and duty — to protect them.”

Idaho officials had appealed to the Supreme Court after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in San Francisco, upheld a temporary block on the law as litigation continues in lower courts.

The law, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, makes it a crime for medical providers to offer medical care to transgender teenagers.

Mr. Labrador, in his emergency application, said that the case raised a recurring question that a majority of the justices had expressed interest in: whether a court can enact a universal injunction.

Mr. Labrador contended that a federal court erred in applying the freeze so expansively. “The plaintiffs are two minors and their parents, and the injunction covers two million,” he wrote.

Temporarily barring the law meant “leaving vulnerable children subject to procedures that even plaintiffs’ experts agree are inappropriate for some of them,” he added.

Mr. Labrador continued, “These procedures have lifelong, irreversible consequences, with more and more minors voicing their regret for taking this path.”

The plaintiffs had asserted that the case was not the right vehicle for addressing concerns about universal injunctions.

That is because the four plaintiffs are anonymous, referred to only by pseudonyms. If the court narrowed the temporary pause on the Idaho law to apply only to those directly involved in the lawsuit, the plaintiffs, including minors, would be forced to “disclose their identities as the transgender plaintiffs in this litigation to staff at doctors’ offices and pharmacies every time they visited a doctor or sought to fill their prescriptions.”

Abbie VanSickle covers the United States Supreme Court for The Times. She is a lawyer and has an extensive background in investigative reporting. More about Abbie VanSickle