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.