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Legislation-Canons Of Construction-Presumption Of Territoriality, David H. Armstrong S.Ed.

Michigan Law Review

Plaintiff, an American citizen, was employed by defendant contractor to work on construction in Iraq carried on under a contract with the United States. Plaintiff brought suit in New York for overtime pay under the Federal Eight Hour Law applying to work done under "Every contract made to which the United States ... is a party .... " A verdict for the plaintiff was upheld by the New York Court of Appeals. On certiorari to the United States Supreme Court, held, reversed. In absence of contrary intent, legislation is presumed to apply only within the territorial jurisdiction of the …