No political dreamer was ever wild enough to think of breaking down the lines which separate the States and compounding the American people into one common mass.
John MarshallWhat are the maxims of Democracy? A strict observance of justice and public faith, and a steady adherence to virtue.
John MarshallThe peculiar circumstances of the moment may render a measure more or less wise, but cannot render it more or less constitutional.
John MarshallNo principle of general law is more universally acknowledged, than the perfect equality of nations. Russia and Geneva have equal rights. It results from this equality, that no one can rightfully impose a rule on another....As no nation can prescribe a rule for others, none can make a law of nations.
John MarshallThe constitution is either a superior paramount law, unchangeable by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legislative acts, alterable when the legislature shall please to alter it. It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. This is the very essence of judicial duty.
John Marshall