Worcester V. Georgia
Date: 1832
Case Background:
Laws were passed regarding the Natives in Georgia. They were passed following an agreement between the state of Georgia and the Cherokee Indians. The laws regulated that non-Indians could not live on Indian territories. Only Natives were allowed to reside on the land. Issue: Sam Worcester filled a claim that he and his family were forced to leave their land because it was labeled as "Indian territory". Worcester believed that his family's removal was a violation of his constitutional rights. Decision: John Marshall ruled in favor of Worcester due to the fact that he believed the state government did not have the power and could not enforce a land law. The Court also decided in Worcester's favor because they found the state to have violated Worcester's 14th Amendment, which does not allow for the U.S. to violated any individual's right to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Impact: This case focused on the due process clause; the government's obligation to maintain and respect legal rights. Furthermore, treating all American citizens in a respectful matter. |
Justice: John Marshall
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