Cohens v. Virginia, a landmark United States Supreme Court case, was decided in 1821.
Understanding Cohens v. Virginia
Cohens v. Virginia (1821) was a pivotal case in American constitutional law that affirmed the Supreme Court's authority to review state court decisions involving federal law. This ruling, delivered by Chief Justice John Marshall, was crucial in establishing the federal judiciary's supremacy and solidifying the uniform interpretation of the Constitution across the states.
Background of the Case
The dispute originated when P.J. and Mendes Cohen were convicted in Virginia for selling tickets for a lottery authorized by an Act of Congress in the District of Columbia. Virginia had its own laws prohibiting the sale of lottery tickets, and the Cohens argued that the federal law should supersede state law. The Supreme Court took up the case on a writ of error.
Key Aspects and Significance
The decision in Cohens v. Virginia reinforced several critical principles:
- Judicial Review over State Courts: The most significant outcome was the Court's assertion of its power to review state court decisions that touched upon federal questions. This meant that state courts were not the final arbiters of federal law, ensuring a consistent application of the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes nationwide.
- Supremacy Clause Reinforcement: The case underscored the Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal laws and treaties made under the Constitution are the "supreme Law of the Land."
- National Unity: By affirming federal judicial power, the ruling helped prevent the fragmentation of legal interpretations among states, promoting national unity and a cohesive legal system.
Date and Details
To provide a clear overview of this significant case, here are the key details:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date Decided | 1821 |
| Full Case Name | Cohens v. Virginia |
| Chief Justice | John Marshall |
| Legal Principle | Established the U.S. Supreme Court's jurisdiction to review state court judgments that involve federal questions, reinforcing the supremacy of federal law and the role of the federal judiciary. |
| Constitutional Basis | Article III (Judicial Power), Article VI (Supremacy Clause) |
This ruling cemented the Supreme Court's role as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, ensuring that federal law would be uniformly applied throughout the United States. For more detailed information on the case, you can refer to resources like Oyez's summary of Cohens v. Virginia.
