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Gibbons v. Ogden
Gibson argued that the US Constitution gave congress power over interstate commerce. The supreme court held that states cannot interfere with congress's ability to regulate commerce. -
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landmark cases
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Worcester v. Georgia
Georgia passed a law prohibiting to be on Native American land unless you were Native American. Samuel Worcester, a missionary, living on Native American land and refused to apply for a license. He was arrested and appealed,arguing his constitutional rights were violated. The supreme court stuck down the Georgia law. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Scott was a slave who lived free in Illinois. When his master died, he tried to sue the widow, arguing his time as a free man made him a citizen. The supreme court decided that since his ancestors were imported into the U.S and sold as slaves, that he could not be a citizen -
Munn v. Illinois
Illinois passes a law on how much private companies could charge for storing and transporting agricultural goods. Munn was overcharging and was caught. He appealed that the regulation was an unconstitutional removal of property. The supreme court held that the law was constitutional. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Homer Plessy boarded a train and sat in a seat for whites only. He refused to move and was arrested. Plessy argued that this act violated his rights under the 14 amendment. The supreme court decided that "separate but equal" accommodations for whites and blacks did not violate his rights. -
Lochner v. New York
New York passed a law limiting the working week for bakers to 60 hours. Lochner was fined twice for violating this law. He then appealed saying it was unconstitutional. The supreme court decided that the law indeed was unconstitutional. -
Abrams v United States
Five Russian anti-war activists were arrested for printing and distributing 5,000 leaflets that criticized the U.S role in World War I. The supreme court held the the Espionage act was valid and it was a crime that deserved to be punished. -
Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Mellon
The maternity act gave states money for programs aimed to help mothers and their infants. A woman thought that would lead to an increase in her taxes, so she tried to sue the federal government. The supreme could decided she could not sue because the injury was too small. -
Buck v. Bell
A young woman was diagnosed with " feeble mindedness" and was committed to a state institution against her will. Bucks appointed guardian sued. The supreme court decided that she could be held there and that there was nothing in the 8 or 14 amendment that said otherwise. -
Wickard v. Filburn
The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, enacted to stabilize agriculture prices after the depression. It restricted how much wheat a farmer could grow. an Ohio farmer got caught growing to much and sued. The supreme court ruled that congress had the power to regulate activities in the industry.
