Law, Business, and Society 9th Edition by Tony McAdams

Exercise 20

The Labor Department conducts regular investigations of business records to ensure compliance with the wages and hours provisions (such as higher pay for overtime) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. When a compliance officer sought to inspect certain financial records at the Lone Steer restaurant/motel in Steele, North Dakota, the restaurant declined his admittance until the government detailed the scope of the investigation. Not receiving a satisfactory response, the Lone Steer demanded a search warrant prior to inspection. As provided for under the FLSA, the government secured an administrative subpoena, which, unlike a search warrant, does not require judicial approval. Once again, Lone Steer denied admission. The government then filed suit. Decide. Explain. See Donovan v. Lone Steer, 464 U.S. 408 (1984).