The shameful attempt to prevent John Marshall from deciding whether Bollmann and Swartwout were entitled to the benefit of the most sacred writ known to the law was thereby defeated and the Chief Justice was left free to grant or reject it, as justice might require.
Albert Beveridge: “The shameful attempt to prevent John Marshall from deciding whether Bollmann and Swartwout were entitled to the benefit…”
Editor's note · Context
This passage underscores the importance of judicial independence and the rule of law in the face of political pressure.
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There can be little doubt that a majority of the people did not favor the Constitution when adopted by the Convention and ratified by the States.





