Fletcher v. Peck

Fletcher v. Peck (1810)

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

2) Summary of the Opinion
Georgia attempted to rescind land grants that were issued through corruption. The Supreme Court ruled that voiding those grants impaired contracts, which the Constitution forbids states from doing.

3) Why It Mattered
This was the first time the Supreme Court struck down a state law as unconstitutional. It established the Court’s authority to check state legislation against the federal Constitution.

Federalism Cases

Worcester v. Georgia

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

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

2) Summary of the Opinion
Georgia passed laws requiring non-Native Americans to obtain a state license before living on Cherokee land. Samuel Worcester, a missionary, refused and was convicted. The Supreme Court overturned his conviction, holding that only the federal government—not the states—had authority in Indian affairs.

3) Why It Mattered
This case affirmed tribal sovereignty and the federal government’s exclusive role in regulating relations with Native nations. It directly challenged Georgia’s attempt to extend its authority into Cherokee territory.

Foundational Cases

Trustees of Dartmouth College v. Woodward

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.