Dartmouth College v. Woodward
Definition
This was a landmark decision from the Supreme Court in 1819 that ruled that states cannot interfere with private contracts. It reinforced contract law and protected corporations from state governments.
Analogy
Imagine you're playing a board game where you've made a trade agreement with another player (like trading properties in Monopoly). Suddenly, someone who isn't even playing tries to change your deal. That wouldn't be fair, right? The Dartmouth College v. Woodward case is similar - it said that outside parties (in this case, state governments) can't mess with agreements between others (private contracts).
Related terms
Contract Clause: A clause of the United States Constitution that prohibits states from interfering with private contracts.
McCulloch v Maryland: A Supreme Court case establishing supremacy of national over state government when they conflict.
Gibbons v Ogden: A Supreme Court case deciding that the federal government has exclusive power over interstate commerce.
"Dartmouth College v. Woodward" appears in:
Practice Questions (1)
- What was the result of Dartmouth College v. Woodward?
Resources
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