The Supreme Court of the early 1800's was nothing like it is today. The early Supreme Court didn't seem like it fit in well with the rest of the Government. But as we know that was destined to change. The man who changed the powers of the Court and of the Federal Government was John Marshall.

John Marshall's life began in Virginia, in 1755. His family lived way out in the country. He was eventually sent to Archibald Campbell's academy. On returning home he read Commentaries on the Laws of England by Blackstone. This book is what probably caused him to become a lawyer. Then his life took a big turn when he was elected a Justice.1 During his time as a Chief Justice he presided over 1,215 cases. His landmark decisions have had a lasting affect on the Court and Government of today.2

During the time when John Marshall was Chief Justice the cases brought before the Supreme Court established

The Supreme Courts decision was more than the settling of the case, it involved Marshall giving an idea of what he thought Congress's powers were under the Commerce Clause, which said Congress could "regulate commerce". In Marshall's mind commerce, covered everything to do with business dealings. Marshall also took a broad view on the word regulate, saying, " It is the power to regulate; that is to prescribe the rule by which commerce is to be goverened."19

Schwartz, Bernard. A history of the Supreme Court. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 1993

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Approximate Word count = 1947
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)