# What was the AUFFMORDT v.

HEDDEN, Collector case about?

legalpdf.io · August 4, 2026

> The Auffmordt v. Hedden case established that officials whose duties are defined by contract rather than by law are not considered "officers of the...

The Auffmordt v.

Hedden case established that officials whose duties are defined by contract rather than by law are not considered "officers of the United States" under the Appointments Clause of the Constitution.

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The case clarified the rights of importers in the customs appraisal process, stating that importers have a right to be present when goods are reappraised and make relevant statements.

The Supreme Court's ruling in Auffmordt v.

Hedden was unanimous, with all 8 justices agreeing with the decision.

The case originated in the Superior Court of the City of New York before being removed to the federal Circuit Court.

Auffmordt & Co.

was seeking to recover excess duties paid under protest on goods imported from Bremen, Germany.

The Supreme Court's decision in Auffmordt v.

Hedden built upon its earlier ruling in United States v.

Hartwell, which had established the distinction between "officers" and mere "employees" of the government.

The case addressed the extent of the Collector of the Port's authority over the customs appraisal process and the rights of importers in that process.

Auffmordt v.

Hedden was one of several important customs cases decided by the Supreme Court in the late 19th century as the country's trade policies evolved.

The case helped clarify the boundaries between the executive and judicial branches' roles in customs administration.

Auffmordt v.

Hedden was argued before the Supreme Court on November 14, 1890 and the decision was handed down on December 8, 1890.

The case is noteworthy for establishing precedent on the Appointments Clause that would be cited in later Supreme Court rulings.

Auffmordt v.

Hedden highlighted the complexities of the customs appraisal process and the need to balance the government's interests with the rights of private importers.

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