1830
Indian Removal Act
Congress authorizes the President to negotiate the exchange of tribal lands in the East for lands west of the Mississippi. Forced removals follow, including the Cherokee removal of 1838–39.
Worcester v. Georgia 1832
Could Georgia apply its laws within Cherokee Nation territory?
31 U.S. 515 (1832)Federal and state power
- The question
- Could Georgia apply its laws within Cherokee Nation territory?
- What the Court held
- No. The Cherokee Nation was a distinct community in which Georgia law had no force; relations with it belonged to the federal government.
- The vote
- 5–1
- Read the opinion
- 31 U.S. 515 (1832), full text
This page summarizes the Court’s judgment in neutral terms. The opinion, concurrences and dissents are the authority; read them for the reasoning.