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Creation of the Supreme Court
Within the Judiciary Act of 1789 congress told the details of the Supreme Court. Thirteen district courts were formed in important cities. In charge of supreme court is chief justice and associate justices. -
John Jay
John Jay was the first supreme court justice. He was a native from New York. He was a former president of the continental congress, after being appointed by George Washington -
John Marshall
John Marshall was a revolutionary war veteran and was one of the most famous chief justices. He was appointed as chief just under John Adams. He was able to keep his position through Thomas Jefferson's inauguration -
Marbury vs Madison
Caused the concept of checks and balances was introduced to the government. William Marbury was appointed by John Adams and a petition began because he never fully issued his appointment after John Adams left office. The supreme court decided that he was entitled to his position. -
Fletcher vs Peck
In 1795 George sold and divided a 35 million acres of land into four pieces. It was later found out that these sales were approved only in exchange of bribes so they became void. John Peck had sold land to Robert Fletcher. Then Fletcher sued Peck saying that Peck had no right to sell the land since it was void. The Supreme court ruled that the state's repeal of the law was unconsitutional and the land should not be taken away. -
Dartmouth College vs Woodward
In 1769 King George III of England created a charter for Dartmouth College, and this document told the purpose of the school, set up a structure to control it, and gave the college land. In 1815 New Hampshire tried to change this charter. Daniel Webster argued the college's case against William H. Woodward that he was in support of Dartmouth College. The court decided in favor of Dartmouth College that it should remain a private college and not become public. -
McCollough vs Maryland
The state of Maryland created a law imposing taxes on all banks not chartered by their legislature. James McCollough the head of the baltimore branch of the second bank, refused to pay the tax. The court said that Congress had the right to create the bank so Maryland's law was interfering with the powers of Congress. -
Gibbons vs Ogden
Aaron Ogden had bought rights to run steamboats in the waters between New York and New Jersey. He sued Thomas Gibbons for running a steamboat in these waters without permission. The court found that New York's actions of giving Ogden these waters was inconsistent with the duty of Congress to regulate the coastal trades. -
Worcester vs Georgia
The Georgia court found that prohibigint Indians from being present on Indian land without a license is unconstitutional. The court also found that the Cherokee Indians were considered a disctinct nation.
