The Minnesota Rate Cases, also known as Simpson et al., Constituting the Railroad and Warehouse Commission of the State of Minnesota v. Shepard, was a Supreme Court case in 1912 that dealt with issues related to railroad rates set by states. The state of Minnesota had established a commission to regulate these rates but several railroads challenged this regulation on constitutional grounds. They argued that it violated their rights under the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause because they were not given an opportunity for judicial review before new rates were implemented. Additionally, they claimed it infringed upon interstate commerce regulations which are under federal jurisdiction according to Article I Section 8 Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause) of the Constitution. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the railroads stating that while states have power to regulate commerce within their borders, when such commerce extends beyond state lines or directly affects interstate trade then it falls under federal authority. Furthermore, any rate changes must be subject to judicial review prior so as not violate due process rights.

In the dissenting opinion for The Minnesota Rate Cases, it was argued that the state of Minnesota had a right to regulate railroad rates within its borders. The justices contended that railroads, as public utilities, were subject to regulation by states in which they operated. They believed that federal courts should not interfere with such regulations unless there was clear evidence of unconstitutionality or abuse of power. In their view, the majority decision undermined states' rights and gave too much power to corporations over local governments. They also expressed concern about potential negative impacts on small businesses and consumers due to unchecked corporate control over pricing policies.