Fletcher v. Peck 1810
Background: This case rose out of a series of land frauds in Georgia. Preceding this case the Marshall Court had made it clear they were staunch supporters of the promotion of commerce and would defend the inviolability of contracts.
Issue: The Supreme Court had to decide whether or not the Georgia legislature of 1796 could repeal an act of the previous legislature which granted Yazoo Land Companies land under shady circumstances.
Ruling/Impact: The Marshall court ruled that a land grant was a contract, therefore inviolable, and decided a contact could not be repealed even if corruption was involved.
Issue: The Supreme Court had to decide whether or not the Georgia legislature of 1796 could repeal an act of the previous legislature which granted Yazoo Land Companies land under shady circumstances.
Ruling/Impact: The Marshall court ruled that a land grant was a contract, therefore inviolable, and decided a contact could not be repealed even if corruption was involved.