Fletcher v. Peck

Definition

Fletcher v. Peck is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1810 that established the principle of judicial review over state legislation, particularly concerning contracts. The case arose from a dispute over land sales in Georgia, where the Court determined that a state law invalidating a land grant was unconstitutional, affirming the sanctity of contracts and setting a significant precedent for future contract clause jurisprudence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fletcher v. Peck was prompted by a scandal involving land grants in Georgia, where the legislature later attempted to void previous grants due to corruption allegations.
2. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that the law repealing the land grants was unconstitutional, emphasizing that states cannot pass laws that invalidate contracts.
3. This case marked the first time the Supreme Court struck down a state law as unconstitutional, solidifying the role of the judiciary in reviewing state actions.
4. The decision reinforced the importance of upholding contracts as fundamental to economic stability and trust in commercial transactions.
5. Fletcher v. Peck set a precedent for future cases involving the Contract Clause and has been cited in numerous subsequent rulings regarding the protection of private property rights.

Review Questions

• How did Fletcher v. Peck contribute to the development of judicial review in relation to state laws?
  • Fletcher v. Peck significantly advanced the concept of judicial review by demonstrating that the Supreme Court could invalidate state laws that contravene constitutional provisions. In this case, the Court determined that Georgia's law repealing land grants violated the Contract Clause, thus establishing a precedent for federal oversight of state legislation. This case underscored the judiciary's role in protecting individual rights against legislative overreach.
• Discuss how Fletcher v. Peck illustrates the tension between state sovereignty and federal oversight regarding contracts.
  • Fletcher v. Peck highlights the delicate balance between state sovereignty and federal authority, particularly concerning contractual obligations. While states traditionally possess the power to legislate and manage their internal affairs, this case revealed that such power is limited by constitutional constraints. The ruling affirmed that states could not enact laws that impair existing contracts, thereby reinforcing federal oversight to protect individual rights and maintain economic stability.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Fletcher v. Peck on subsequent contract law and state legislation in America.
  • The long-term implications of Fletcher v. Peck on American contract law are profound, as it established a foundation for protecting contractual rights against state interference. This case set a precedent that subsequent courts would reference when addressing similar issues related to contract validity and state legislation. As a result, it paved the way for stronger protections for private property and contractual agreements, shaping the legal landscape and influencing how states draft and enact laws affecting commerce and contracts in the years to follow.

Related terms

Contract Clause: A provision in Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits states from passing laws that impair the obligation of contracts.

Judicial Review: The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution, ensuring that legislative acts do not violate constitutional principles.

State Sovereignty: The concept that states have the authority to govern themselves without interference from the federal government, but must still adhere to constitutional limits.