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Creation of the Supreme Court
Stated the first day that the supreme court was created. Important because without it, there would not have been a good court system for handling the worst of offences in America. -
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John Jay as Chief Justice
First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, appointed by George Washington. Important because he set a kind of guideline for the Supreme Court justice's, much like Washington did for the presidency. -
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John Marshall
The years John Marshall was Chief Justice. Important because he was considered the greatest Chief Justice, and so he even deepened the guidelines of being a Justice. -
Marbury vs. Madision
William Marbury, appointed as justice of the peace in District of Columbia as one of John Adams "midnight appointments, tried to sue James Madiision when he didn't get commission. (Sued Madision because at the time Secratary of State dealed with foregin affairs.) Ended that the supreme court could do nothing about it, because it was a power denied in Article Three of the Constitution. Important because it was one of the first supreme court decisions. -
Fletcher v. Peck
In 1795, land in Georiga was split into 4 tracts and sold to different companies. The sales were later made void because the sales were a bribe. But, some of the land in this was sold by John Peck to Robert Fletcher. After Fletcher realized this, he tried to sue Peck. In a unamious decision, Congress said that the law was unconstiutitional, and the land would not be taken. Important because it showed the dangers of buying land. -
Dartmouth College v. Woodward
In 1816, a movement was made to try and make the privately-funded Dartmouth College a public university. After it did, a group of old trustees tried to sue another one, William Woodward, who was on the side of the new. In a six to one vote, it was voted that the university was going to remain a private institution. Important, because if Darmouth was a public school, it would be a lot different in modern society. -
McCollough v. Maryland
In 1818, Maryland passed a tax on all banks not on their legislature. James McCollough (Head of the Baltimore branch of the Second Bank of the U.S.) refused to pay the tax. The Court ruled that the state did not have the power to tax, because it interfered with the powers Congress had on the bank. Important because it showed that the power of the state wasn't as strong as it wanted to be. -
Gibbons v. Ogden
Ogden had purchased rights to operate steamboats in the water inbetween the New York/New Jersy waters. He sued Gibbions for operating steamboats without his permission. The Court found that New York's actions were inconsistant with the ability of regulating costal trade. Important because it would open up waters for easier trade. -
Cherokee Nation v. Georgia
The Cherokees bring up to the state of Georgia that they do not want to be forceably removed from their homelands. Important because it would just worsen the relationships. -
Worcester v. Georgia
After a tribe of Cherokees refused to leave Georgia, the Cherokees brought it up to the supreme court, saying it was their land, so they shouldn't have to leave. Supreme court ruled that the Native Americans had a national sovereignty. Important because even after this, they will still be forced to leave their lands, court ruling or not. -
Commonwealth v. Hunt
After a seven man worker strike against a local manufacturer to try and get a closed (union shop), They were then arrested for charge of condmenating unionization. Supreme Court Justice Lumeul Shaw said that the workers had a right to peacefully assemble, and could not be criminally charged. Important, because it showed a person's constitutional rights. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
An ex-slave living in Illinois for ten years moves back to Missiouri and tries to sue for his slavery, claiming that if he lived in a free state, he is a free man. His ex master claimed that no one of African American descent could be a free man. The court found the same thing. Important because it was right around the start of the Civil War, and would make tensions between the north and south worse. -
Maples vs. Thomas
A mailroom mistake returning an unopened letter to the sender. Man lost his case to appeal to the death sentance by his letter being sent back, saying "Return to Sender-Left Firm", after his attourney's had left their firm. It is significancant because it showed that some people just can't have fair things happen if they try and do the right thing.
