Case Facts

Question 1

Marbury v Madison

Answer 1

Marbury was due his judicial commission from the previous president, but it was not delivered before he left office. Next president refused to finalize the judicial appointment.

Question 2

Martin v Hunter’s Lessee

Answer 2

VA state court did not respect a SCOTUS ruling to reverse a VA case and argued that SCOTUS appellate review over state court decisions was unconstitutional.

Question 3

DC v Heller

Answer 3

Heller wanted permission to own a handgun in his home after being rejected for a handgun license

Question 4

Ex parte McCardle

Answer 4

Newspaper editor who was against Reconstruction was arrested - while his case was in appeal process, Congress passed legislation that removed SCOTUS ability to review writs of habeas corpus (Congress withdrew jurisdiction)

Question 5

United States v Klein

Answer 5

Congress passed a statute that allowed Confederates to recover their property if they proved they didn’t assist the army - Lincoln offered blanket pardons if they would taken an oath to the Union - SCOTUS held that a pres pardon was sufficient proof that they didn’t assist the army.

Then, Congress passed a new law prohibiting the use of a presidential pardon as proof that Confederates were entitled to property rights and SCOTUS had to determine as such.