The Ellsworth Court began in 1796 when the Senate confirmed PresidentGeorge Washington's appointment of Ellsworth. Washington had previously nominated both Rutledge and Associate JusticeWilliam Cushing to the seat, but Rutledge's nomination was denied by the Senate and Cushing refused the nomination on the basis of his health.[2] The Ellsworth Court began with Ellsworth and four Associate Justices from the Jay Court:William Cushing,James Wilson,James Iredell, andWilliam Paterson. Associate JusticeSamuel Chase took office shortly after Ellsworth's tenure began, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation ofJohn Blair, Jr. during the Rutledge Court. Wilson died in 1798, and PresidentJohn Adams appointedBushrod Washington to take his seat.Alfred Moore joined the court in 1800 after the death of Iredell.
Presidents during this court includedGeorge Washington andJohn Adams. Congresses during this court included4th through the6th United States Congresses.
Calder v. Bull (1798): In an opinion written by Justice Chase, the court held that the Constitutional prohibition onex post facto laws applies only to criminal acts, and that the Supreme Court of United States has no authority to determine whether state laws violate state constitutions.
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