Cohens v. Virginia
Definition
A landmark Supreme Court case in 1821 that reinforced the principle of federal supremacy over states, asserting that the Supreme Court had the power to review decisions of state courts.
Analogy
Think of it like a game of chess. The king (the federal government) has more power and can move in any direction, while other pieces (the states) have limited movements. In this case, Cohens v. Virginia confirmed that the king's moves (federal laws) are superior to those of other pieces (state laws).
Related terms
Marbury v. Madison: This is an 1803 Supreme Court case where judicial review was established, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
McCulloch v. Maryland: An 1819 Supreme Court decision that affirmed the supremacy of national over state government.
Nullification Crisis: A sectional crisis during Andrew Jackson's presidency when South Carolina declared a federal law void within its borders.
"Cohens v. Virginia" appears in:
Practice Questions (1)
- What was the result of Cohens v. Virginia?
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