Trustees of Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
New Hampshire attempted to convert Dartmouth College from a private institution into a public one. The Court ruled that the original charter was a contract protected from state interference by the Constitution.

3) Why It Mattered
The case strengthened the Contracts Clause and protected private institutions from arbitrary state control, paving the way for early corporate independence.

4) What It Provided or Took Away

• Provided: Security for private corporate charters against unilateral state alteration.
• Took Away: States’ ability to simply rewrite or seize control of private institutions.

5) Overreach or Proper Role?
This was strong Contracts Clause enforcement but consistent with constitutional text and prior precedent.

6) Plain-English Impact Today
States can regulate corporations, but they cannot unilaterally rewrite existing charters or agreements without violating the Constitution.

• Contracts Clause
• Corporate Rights
• State Power