Marbury Vs. Madison
Year?
- 1803
Background?
- Marbury was not given his appointment by Madison
- Brought suit against President Jefferson's Secretary of state, James Madison looking for delivery of commission
Constitutional Principle?
- Established the principle of Judicial Review
Significance?
- This case brought the Judicial Branch on a higher power basis with the Legislative and Executive Branches
- Set the precedent for multiple historical decisions in the future
Fletcher Vs. Peck
Year?
- 1810
Background?
- First case in the Supreme Court that got invalidated a state law as contrary to the constitution
- Helped create a growing precedent for the sanctity of legal contracts
- Also hinted that Native Americans did not hold titles to their own lands
Constitutional Principle?
- The contract clause of the Constitution and ex post facto laws.
Significance?
- The court establishes the constitution as a bulwark of the rights of property and contract against the mob rule of states
- Both court opinions endorse a natural-rights approach to the constitution interpretation
- The court argues against judicial inquiries into legislative intent
Martin Vs. Hunter's Lessee
Year?
- 1816
Background?
- It was the first case to assert ultimate Supreme Court authority over state courts in civil matters of federal law
Constitutional Principle?
- Supreme Court appellate jurisdiction over state court decisions
Significance?
- As long as there's a federal law they can hear any case.
Cohens Vs. Virginia
Year?
- 1821
Background?
- Argument over District of Columbia lottery tickets that are forbidden to be sold in the state of Virginia
Constitutional Principle?
- The supremacy of federal laws over state laws
Significance?
- Virginia can limit lottery sales within it's borders
Dartmouth College Vs. Woodward
Year?
- 1819
Background?
- The state of New Hampshire wanted to change the charter of Dartmouth College
Constitutional Principle?
- The contract clause of the Constitution and states' rights
Significance?
- A state cannot change a contract unless both parties agree
McCulloch Vs. Maryland
Year?
- 1819
Background?
- Maryland tried to tax the Bank of the United States which was owned by the Federal government
Constitutional Principle?
- Federal supremacy Vs. states' rights and the elastic clause
Significance?
- The states' can't tax the Federal government