the marshall court

Marbury vs. Madison (1803)

Appointment of midnight justices by John Adams rejected by Jefferson. The Supreme court decided constitutionality of Judiciary Act. Court ruled delivery of appointments not duty of court and declares Judiciary Act unconstitutional. Significance of ruling: gave the Court the power of judicial review.

Fletcher vs. Peck (1810)

Georgia legislature canceled contact that granted land to speculators as part of bribe. S. Court ruled deal was legal and the state couldn’t nullify it even if it was gained with bribe. Significance of ruling: established the principle that state laws are invalid when in conflict with the Constitution.

Martin vs. Hunters lease (1816)

The Supreme Court established that it had jurisdiction over state courts in cases involving constitutional rights. Loyalist Fairfax had its land seized after revolutionary war. He left land to relative following his death, but virginia seized it. Court overturned state court ruling. Jays treaty and treaty of paris both stated loyalists man would be returned. Significance: confirmed the supreme courts right to overrule a state court.

Dartmouth college vs. Woodward (1819)

New Hampshire changed Dartmouth college from a privately charted school to a public institution. Significance: established the principle that charters were contracts that cant be changed.

McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819)

Maryland wanted to tax the second national bank. Marshall ruled that a state cannot tax a federal institution because federal laws are supreme over state laws. Marshall ruled that even though the constitution doesnt mention a national bank, it gave the federal government the implied power to create one.

Cohens vs Virginia (1821)

Virginia tried to convict the Cohens for illegally selling lottery tickets. Court ruled that state had the right to enforce laws that didn't conflict with the constitution. Significance: state courts must submit to federal jurisdiction and the federal court has the right to judicial review of state supreme court decisions.

Gibbins vs. Ogden (1821)

Could New York grant a monopoly to a steamboat company if it conflicted with a charter authorized by congress. Marshall established the federal governments broad control of interstate commerce.