The Federalist Judiciary KEY MARSHALL COURT CASES

The Marshall Court Under Chief Justice John Marshall, the Supreme Court handed down several rulings that solidified the federal government’s commerce powers. Rulings also strengthened business law Made possible by its establishment of Judicial Review in Marbury v. Madison in 1803

McCulloch v. Maryland 1819 Case summary: In an effort to protect private banks, Maryland put a $15,000 tax on “foreign” (out of state) banks. Bank of U. S. refused to pay and sued the state. Decision: In favor of the Bank of U. S. Reasoning: “The power to tax, is the power to destroy.” The bank of the U. S. IS constitutional and Maryland had no right to attempt to “tax it out of business.” Long Range Significance: Strengthened the implied powers of Congress. (Elastic Clause) (Commerce Clause)

Gibbons v. Ogden 1824 Case summary: Ogden owned an exclusive state license for a ferry route between NY and NJ. Gibbons had a federal license. Ogden sued Gibbons. Decision: The court ruled in favor of Gibbons Reasoning: When commerce crosses state lines, federal authority takes precedence. Long Range Significance: Cemented the federal government’s authority to regulate interstate commerce.

Dartmouth v. Woodward 1819 Case summary: New Hampshire wanted to make Dartmouth College public. The college cited a 1769 charter granted by King George III. Decision: In favor of Dartmouth’s private charter Reasoning: New Hampshire had no right to nullify Dartmouth’s charter even though it was given by another government. The charter remained intact through the transition of power. Long Range Significance: Solidified the sanctity of contracts

Cohens v. Virginia 1821 Case summary: Cohens had been convicted of illegally selling lottery tickets in Virginia. He was appealing the state court’s ruling Decision: The court upheld Cohen’s conviction Reasoning: Virginia’s law banning private lotteries was valid and constitutional Long Range Significance: First time the Supreme Court had ruled on a state court ruling. Forever established this authority/power

Fletcher v. Peck 1810 Case summary: Georgia’s legislature had granted 35 million acres in the Yazoo River country after being bribed by private speculators. The next legislature canceled the transaction. Decision: The court ruled in favor of the speculators giving them the land Reasoning: Georgia’s legislature could not cancel its contract regardless of how it was conceived. Long Range Significance: Provided further private property protections against popular pressures AND was one of the earliest assertions of the right of the Supreme Court to invalidate state laws.