Justice John Marshall, (1755-1835) US Supreme Court Chief Justice Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-7] of 7 Justice John Marshall quotesJustice John Marshall QuotesJustice John Marshall Let the end be legitimate, let it be within the scope of the constitution, and all means which are appropriate, which are plainly adapted to that end, which are not prohibited, but consist with the letter and spirit of the constitution, are constitutional. ... [S]hould Congress, under the pretext of executing its powers, pass laws for the accomplishment of objects not entrusted to the government, such [acts are] not the law of the land.~ Justice John Marshall State inspection laws, health laws, and laws for regulating the internal commerce of a State, and those which respect turnpike roads, ferries, &c. are not within the power granted to Congress. ... Inspection laws, quarantine laws, health laws of every description, as well as laws for regulating the internal commerce of a State, and those which respect turnpike roads, ferries, &c., are component parts of this mass. No direct general power over these objects is granted to Congress, and, consequently, they remain subject to State legislation.~ Justice John Marshall This government is acknowledged by all, to be one of enumerated powers.~ Justice John Marshall [T]he framers of the constitution contemplated that instrument, as a rule for the government of courts, as well as of the legislature.~ Justice John Marshall A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law.~ Justice John Marshall An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy; because there is a limit beyond which no institution and no property can bear taxation.~ Justice John Marshall That the people have an original right to establish, for their future government, such principles as, in their opinion, shall most conduce to their own happiness, is the basis, on which the whole American fabric has been erected.... The principles, therefore, so established, are deemed fundamental. And as the authority, from which they proceed, is supreme ... they are designed to be permanent.... The powers of the legislature are defined, and limited; and that those limits may not be mistaken, or forgotten, the constitution is written.~ Justice John Marshall Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print