Quotes by Chief Justices

The power to tax involves the power to destroy.

John Marshall

The corporation is an artificial being invisible intangible and existing only in contemplation of law.

John Marshall

It is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is.

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.

John Marshall

The law does not expect a man to be prepared to defend every act of his life which may be suddenly and without notice alleged against him.

John Marshall

The Constitution is colorblind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.

John Marshall

. . . a constitution, intended toendure for ages to come, andconsequently, to be adapted to thevarious crises of human affairs.

John Marshall