Quotes from John Marshall

a constitution, intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs.

the 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.

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

The power to tax involves the power to destroy.

An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy

The events of my life are too unimportant, and have too little interest for any person not of my immediate family, to render them worth communicating or preserving.

What is it that makes us trust our judges? Their independence in office and manner of appointment.

The constitution controls any legislative act repugnant to it.

My father superintended the English part of my education, and to his care I am indebted for anything valuable which I may have acquired in my youth. He was my only intelligent companion, and was both a watchful parent and an affectionate friend.

I have always believed that national character... depends more on the female part of society than is generally imagined. Precepts from the lips of a beloved mother... sink deep in the heart, and make an impression which is seldom entirely effaced.

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

The power to tax involves the power to destroy.

Paris presents one incessant round of amusement & dissipation but very little, I believe - even for its inhabitants of that society - which interests the heart. Every day, you may see something new, magnificent & beautiful; every night, you may see a spectacle which astonishes & enchants the imagination.

A constitution is framed for ages to come, and is designed to approach immortality as nearly as human institutions can approach it.

The most lively fancy aided by the strongest description cannot equal the reality of the opera.

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

The 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.

To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well

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