us legal hsitory

English Bill of Rights

 landmark document that limited the monarchy and established certain civil rights to its citizens. It made sure that England's monarchy could not rule without the consent of Parliament. It is significant because it influenced the development of the US Bill of Rights and certain rights such as freedom of speech, fair trial, and the right to bear arms. It helped shape the democratic ideals and framework of the legal system we have today.

Writs of Assistance Case

it allowed the British to conduct searches without a specific cause. James Otis, a lawyer, challenged these writs because he argued that they violated fundamental principles of law and personal liberty. Although he lost, he laid the groundwork for colonial resistance and eventually the American Revolution. It highlights the importance of the 4th Amendment right that we have today of unlawful search and seizure.

New York Charter of Libertyes

enacted in 1683 was a significant document that established the political organization of the colonies and guaranteed certain individual rights for the colonies. It set up procedures for elections, created counties, as created rights such as freedom fo religion and trial by jury. It was significant because it laid an early groundwork for colonial self-governance and influenced the democratic principles of the US today

William Blackstone

An English jurist and legal scholar best known for his book that outlines English common law and became a foundation for legal education for both England and the American colonies. His writing significantly influenced the framers of the US Constitution, providing a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and individual rights. His work helped shape American law, particularly in areas of contract, property, and criminal law.

Coverture

 A legal doctrine in English common law that dictated married women's legal status. Under this doctrine, her legal status was assumed under her husbands, meaning she could not enter into contracts, own property, or earn wages independently. This principle significantly impacted women's rights and freedoms, reinforcing gender inequality. The gradual removal of this principle throughout the 19th century marked an important step towards gender equality and influenced the rights of women in the us. 

Vices of the Political System of the United State

written by James Madison was a critique of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. He outlines key flaws such as lack of federal authority, enforcing laws, state violations of national treaties and more. His analysis laid the groundwrod for the constitutional convention and the drafting of a stronger federal system of the United states.his emphasis of the dangers of unchecked power laid the groundwork for the

Resolutions of the Stamp Act Congress-

a series of petitions passed in 1765 that protested the Stamp Act, asserting that only colonial assemblies could tax the colonies. This was an early demonstration of colonial unity against British taxation policies, ultimately contributing to the American Revolution.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

a document drafted in 1776 that proclaimed inherent rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, influencing both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Section 34, Judiciary Act of 1789

utlines that federal couts must must apply state statues and common law in cases where the federal law does not provide rule of decision.it reinforced that idea that state laws would govern areas that the federal law does not cover and shows the relationship between state and federal laws. Became important in swift v tyson and overturned by erie railroad vs tompkins

Samuel Chase

 Associate Justice of the us supreme court and a strong federalist. Had a contriversal conduct that led to his impeachment by the house of representatives. Although he was acquired, his trial set a precedent that judges should not be removed fro political reasons. He also played a crusial role early constitutional interpretations particualary in policies that strengthened federal power.

John Pickering-

a district court judge in new Hampshire and became the first to be impeached in 1804 which was driven by instability and misconduct which set a president forb judicial accountability under the constitution. His case focused not on political adgendas but qualifications and set a precedent that appointmens tof federal judges were not absoluta and congress had the sithority to act against unfit judges. Remains significant as a early test of the impeachment process of the federal judiciary.

Judiciary Act of 1801

-reorganized the federal judiciary by creating new circut counts and reducing the number of supreme court stops from 6 to 5. It allowed for prex john adams to appoint many federalist judges to secure his support before jefferson took office. The acts repeal in 1802 led to political clashes over judicial independece and the marbury v mason case established judicial review affirming the supreme court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Barron v Baltimore-

a supreme court case that rules that the bill of rights only applied to the federal government not state or local governments. John barron sued the city of baltimore claiming it had violated his 5th amendmen right. And chief justice marshal unnanimouse decision held that the bill of rights was only intended to limit federal power. It significant because it led many citizens unprotected from many state infringements on their rights until the 14th amendment.

Chisholm v Georgia

 a supreme court case that adressed state soverignty and federal courts. The case arose when alexander chisholm sued the state of georgia over an unpaid dept. The court rules in favor of chisholm under article 3 of the constitution but was highly contriversal and led to the passing of the 11th amendment. This is significant bc if shows how it showed how constitutional amendments can be overturned by supreme court rulings

Johnson v M’Intosh

a landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle that private citizens could not purchase land from Native Americans, as only the federal government had the authority to acquire land from indigenous tribes. This decision highlighted the legal framework surrounding land rights in the United States.

Cohens v Virginia

supreme court case in which allowed federal judiciary to review state court decision. Started when the cohen brothers got conviced for selling lotto tickets that got approves by congress in the district of columbia. John marshal ruled that supreme court has jusrisdiction to hear appeals form state even when it is a party to the case. Although the conviction held it is significant because it reaffirmed the federal power over state powers in constitutional matter

Cooley v Board of Wardens of Philadelphia

supreme court case that clarified the balace of power between federal court and state under the comerce clause. This involves a pensylvainia law requireing hiring local pilots ot pay a fine, and why federal courts can regulate some commerce law this supreme court case everntually ruled that cases like apects like local port regulations the state laws has jurisdiction uless said otherwise by federal law.

Indian Removal Act

was a federal law sighed by andrew jackson that displaced many indian trives to the west of the mississippi for relocation to so the us can have land for further dfevelopmet of the country. It is significant bc it led to the trail of tears and emphasised the fact that the federal government still help power over the indigenous tribes and lead to the long term struggles and tensions between native americans and the federal government 

Charles River Bridge v Warren Bridge

was a supreme court case that balances private property rights and public interest. When massechusets rulles the construction of the warren bridge that would interfere with the construction of the privately owned charles river bridge. And the original owner implied an exclusive right to construction without competition but the supreme court ruled that oublic interest and need outweighed priviate institutions and monopolies. It sis significant because it showed how the government prioritized public interest over monopoleies and limited corporate monopolies.