In the case of Jacobson v. Massachusetts (1905), the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the authority of states to mandate smallpox vaccinations. The court asserted that the state had the power to protect public health and safety, which included the ability to require vaccinations during an outbreak.
The case arose when Henning Jacobson refused to be vaccinated against smallpox, arguing that the law infringed on his personal liberties and rights. The Supreme Court ruled that individual liberties could be subject to limitations for the common good, especially in the context of public health, and that the state had a legitimate interest in preventing disease transmission.
The decision established a precedent for the government's ability to impose health regulations, underscoring the balance between individual rights and the welfare of the community. It became a foundational case in discussions about public health law and governmental authority in matters of health and safety.
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