Calder v. Bull

Calder v. Bull (1798)

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

2) Summary of the Opinion
Connecticut allowed a new probate hearing. The challengers claimed it violated the Constitution’s ban on ex post facto laws. The Supreme Court held the Ex Post Facto Clause applies only to criminal laws, not civil ones.

3) Why It Mattered
This case clarified the scope of the Ex Post Facto Clause and featured a famous debate between Justices Chase and Iredell over natural law versus strict constitutional text.

Foundational Cases

Cohens v. Virginia

Cohens v. Virginia (1821)

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

2) Summary of the Opinion
The Cohen brothers were convicted in Virginia for selling lottery tickets authorized by Congress for the District of Columbia. Virginia argued the Supreme Court could not review criminal convictions from state courts. The Court disagreed, holding it could review all state court decisions involving federal law, even criminal ones.

3) Why It Mattered
This case reaffirmed and expanded federal judicial authority, ensuring that state courts could not block Supreme Court review when federal law was at stake.

Acts

Controlled Substances Act (CSA)

Controlled Substances Act (CSA, 1970)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The CSA consolidated federal drug laws and established a comprehensive system for regulating the manufacture, distribution, and possession of controlled substances. It was part of President Nixon’s broader “War on Drugs.”

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Earlier laws like the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act (1914) and the Marijuana Tax Act (1937) regulated certain drugs but lacked a uniform system. The CSA centralized authority under federal law.