Supreme Court Cases Overview

Flashcards summarizing key Supreme Court cases and rulings from the Marshall and Taney Courts.

The Court was established as the arbiter of the Constitution, introducing judicial review.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

The Court upheld property rights and ruled that the state's action to void an earlier land grant impaired the obligation of contract.

Fletcher v. Peck (1810)

National laws took precedence over state laws; a state tax on the national bank was ruled unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

It established the sanctity of contracts, ruling that New Hampshire could not revise Dartmouth College's colonial charter.

Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819)

It affirmed Congressional power over interstate commerce by overturning a New York state monopolistic law.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Ruled that a state could not seize lands without the consent of the 'domestic dependent nation.'

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831)

It emphasized that community interests are more important than corporate rights.

Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge (1837)

Dred Scott was declared property and not a citizen, which ruled the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional.

Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)

It ruled that Lincoln acted unconstitutionally in imposing martial law in Baltimore after an anti-union riot.

Ex parte Merryman

The Court struck down wartime convictions of civilians by military tribunals.

Ex parte Milligan (1866)