Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge

Mon, 07 Mar 1831 13:00:00 +0000

Location

Massachusetts Statehouse

1 Ashburton Pl Boston MA 02108

Boston, MA 02108

United States

42° 21' 33.0156" N, 71° 3' 44.5176" W

See map: Google Maps

Case Basics

Petitioner

Charles River Bridge

Respondent

Warren Bridge

Heard By

Marshall Court (1830-1834)

Decided By

Taney Court (1836-1837)

Opinion

36 U.S. 420 (1837)

Argued

Monday, March 7, 1831

Reargued:

Thursday, January 19, 1837

Decided

Sunday, February 12, 1837

Facts of the Case

In 1785, the Massachusetts legislature incorporated the Charles River Bridge Company to construct a bridge and collect tolls. In 1828, the legislature established the Warren Bridge Company to build a free bridge nearby. Unsurprisingly, the new bridge deprived the old one of traffic and tolls. The Charles River Bridge Company filed suit, claiming the legislature had defaulted on its initial contract.

Question

Did the legislature enter into an economic contract with the Charles River Bridge Company that was impaired by the second charter in violation of Article I Section 10 of the Constitution?

Conclusion

Decision: 5 votes for Warren Bridge, 2 vote(s) against
Legal provision: US Const. Art 1, Section 10, Clause 1

In a 5-to-2 decision, the Court held that the state had not entered a contract that prohibited the construction of another bridge on the river at a later date. The Court held that the legislature neither gave exclusive control over the waters of the river nor invaded corporate privilege by interfering with the company's profit-making ability. In balancing the rights of private property against the need for economic development, the Court found that the community interest in creating new channels of travel and trade had priority.

Cases - 1836 term

Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge

Location