Jin Fuey Moy

Jin Fuey Moy (Chinese: 梅振魁; romanized as Mei Zhenkui; 1862–1924) was a Chinese-born physician who practiced in the United States. He is best known for his involvement in two cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States concerning the application of the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act to physicians and the prescribing of morphine.

Early life and education

Moy was born in China in 1862. He immigrated to the United States during the nineteenth century and later studied medicine in the United States.

Medical career

Moy eventually practiced medicine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Jin Fuey Moy v. United States (1920)

Moy was subsequently prosecuted for issuing prescriptions for morphine sulfate. The evidence presented at trial indicated that some prescriptions were issued to people who were not previously known to him and who identified themselves as morphine users. According to the Supreme Court's account, some recipients received only superficial examinations or no examination, and the prescriptions called for quantities of between eight and sixteen drams of morphine.

He was also the foster father of Josephine Augusta Moy, who later performed as the actress and singer Lady Tsen Mei.

Death

Moy died in 1924.

Legacy

The two Supreme Court cases involving Moy formed part of the early legal interpretation of the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act and the development of federal authority over narcotic prescribing.

His life has also been discussed within the history of Chinese immigration and Chinese American resistance to exclusion and discrimination.