The courts have generally held that direct taxes are limited to taxes on people (variously called capitation, poll tax or head tax) and property. (Penn Mutual Indemnity Organization. v. C.I.R., 227 F.2d 16, 19-20 (3rd Cir. 1960).) All taxes are typically called "indirect taxes," because they tax an event, rather than human being or property per se. (Steward Machine Co. v. Davis, 301 U.S. 548, 581-582 (1937).) What was a straightforward limitation on the power of the legislature based on the ...

The courts have generally held that direct taxes are limited to taxes on people (variously called capitation, poll tax or head tax) and property. (Penn Mutual Indemnity Organization. v. C.I.R., 227 F.2d 16, 19-20 (3rd Cir. 1960).) All taxes are typically called "indirect taxes," because they tax an event, rather than human being or property per se. (Steward Machine Co. v. Davis, 301 U.S. 548, 581-582 (1937).) What was a straightforward limitation on the power of the legislature based on the ...