Dartmouth College v. Woodward
1819
Definition of the Case
This was a case about whether or not a
state government can force a privately
owned college to a public university for
the government’s financial gain.
 The main argument was the Contract
Clause
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“that government can’t pass laws that impairs the
obligations of contracts” text pg 32 meaning that
contracts are legally binding can not be broken unless
agreed upon by both parties.
Supreme Court Justices
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Chief Justice: John
Marshall
Bushrod Washington
William Johnson
Brockholst Livingston
Thomas Todd
Gabriel Duvall
Joseph Story
Further information
Important Figures
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John Wheelock
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William H. Woodward
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President of Dartmouth College
Forced from the position of president
Was appointed by Wheelock to Treasurer of the
Board of Trustees
Daniel Webster
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Was the prosecuting attorney. He was going
against Wheelock and the Jeffersonians
Facts of the Case
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Wheelock was forced out of his position
Woodward unlawfully obtained seals, records,
and charter of the college
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Forced to return the items under the principle of
“Common Law”
Some felt that the college was beginning to be a
public university instead of the founded private
college
The case then started on March 10, 1818 and
decided on February 2, 1819
Further information
Supreme Court Decision
In a 6 to 1 decision, judgment went to the
side of Daniel Webster
 This meaning that the government could
not interfere with private party property
contracts.
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According to Chief Justice Marshall's opinion “The term
"contract" referred to transactions involving individual property
rights, not to "the political relations between the government
and its citizens.“ Click for source
Impact on Society
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“The Dartmouth College Case, as it has
come to be known, is considered to be one
of the most important and formative
documents in United States constitutional
history, strengthening the contract clause
of the Constitution and thereby paving the
way for all American private institutions to
conduct their affairs in accordance with
their charters and without interference
from the state.” Click to see document