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Supreme Court Milestones
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Creation of the Supreme Court
Congress truly created the Supreme Court and federal judiciary with the Judiciary Act of 1789, which established 13 federal districts and 3 circuit courts of appeal; the size of the Supreme Court was also set at 6 members. This act was the creation of the "highest court in the land" that still stands today. -
John Jay
John Jay was appointed by George Washington to be the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He hailed from New York and was a Federalist. He was offered a second term by John Adams but declined. Jay had the honor of being the first in a long line of chief justices who would lead the Supreme Court with wisdom and justice. -
John Marshall
John Marshall served for 34 years as Chief Justice, a feat that remains unmatched. He was vital to the early years of the Supreme Court. Most significantly, his rulings established judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution. -
Marbury v. Madison
In this case, John Adams hastily appointed William Marbury as a justice of the peace for Washington, D.C. His appointment was not commissioned before the new administration took over, and they promptly ignored the appointment. Marbury sued and won. This case established judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution still today. -
Fletcher v. Peck
Georgia in 1795 authorized land sales to developmental companies as the result of bribes, so the state voided the transactions. Fletcher sued Peck becasue Peck sold him land that he had bought from the developmental companies, and he lost his land resultly. The Supreme Court ruled that the state's repeal of the law was unconstitutional. This ruling asserted the Court's power to use judicial review with state laws as well. -
Dartmouth College v. Woodward
New Hampshire tried to change the college's charter, which was granted by George III in 1769. The Court overturned the state law because the state charters were contracts and could not be altered any future legislatures. This ruling furthered protection of corporations, which operated under charters granted by states. -
McCulloch v. Maryland
In 1816 Congress passed a law that created the Second Bank of the United States; in 1817 a branch opened in Baltimore, Maryland. Maryland responded by passed a law that imposed a tax on banks not chartered by its legislature in 1818. The branch's head, McCulloch, refused to pay and sued. The Court ruled against Maryland, establishing Congress's right to create the bank and ruling Maryland's legislation as unconstitutional. The ruling upheld "implied powers" and expanded federal power. -
Gibbons v. Ogden
Aaron Ogden held a monopoly on steamboat traffic from New York to New Jersey and sued Thomas Gibbons, who possessed a federal license to operate a steamboat, because he set up a competing line. The Court ruled that New York's actions were not consistent with Congress's power over interstate commerce. This ruling established the federal government's right to regulate interstate commerce. -
Worcester v. Georgia
Cherokees filled suit against Georgia law that overturned their constitution and government. Surpreme Court sided with Cherokees; John Marshall said Indian tribes had full authority over ther lands, so Georgia had no right to extend its laws over them. This decision was proclaimed stillborn by President Jackson and ignored. This case showed Jackson's expansion of presidential power and disregard for Supreme Court's authority. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
Dred Scott, a slave from Missouri, sued for his freedom because he had been brought to the free territory of Wisconsin. Chief Justice Roger Taney, a southern Democrat, presided. The majorty of the Court ruled against Scott because those of African descent were not U.S. citizens and therefore couldn't sue in federal court. They also said Congress could not deprive people of property and that Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, meaning west was open to slavery, causing controversy.
