Topic: Interstate Commerce

The FDA secured an injunction against the interstate shipping of Orgone accumulators, labeling them as unproven medical devices. When Dr. Michael Silvert, one of Reich's associates, shipped accumulator panels across state lines, Reich was held legally responsible. Against the advice of his peers, Reich chose to represent himself in court, hoping to use the trial to prove the scientific validity of Orgonomy, but he was ultimately betrayed by his own legal counsel.

Wilhelm Reich was imprisoned following a legal battle involving the FDA over the sale and transport of his Orgone accumulators. The government characterized his scientific claims as fraud, leading to interstate commerce charges when he moved his equipment across state lines. Reich died in prison as a "broken man" after his scientific papers and equipment were ordered destroyed by the court.