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.
John MarshallIt is the peculiar province of the legislature to prescribe general rules for the government of society; the application of those rules to individuals in society would seem to be the duty of other departments.
John MarshallWhat is it that makes us trust our judges? Their independence in office and manner of appointment.
John MarshallThe acme of judicial distinction means the ability to look a lawyer straight in the eyes for two hours and not hear a damned word he says.
John MarshallThe particular phraseology of the Constitution of the United States confirms and strengthens the principle, supposed to be essential to all written constitutions, that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void; and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument.
John Marshall