March 7, 1819: decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, majority opinion delivered by Chief Justice John Marshall. Unabridged. This foundational decision on federal power established the federal government as supreme over the states, the states' limited ability to obstruct the federal government, and the federal government's implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause of the US Constitution. 

The opinion remains prominent in law school curricula and court case citations today. Narrated and underscored by attorney and case analyst, Siena Schroeder. 

Underscore key: issue statement - violin, reasoning - piano, holding - trumpet

Visit audioopinionssc.com to provide feedback and to request publication of cases.

Listeners, please note: While every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this audio edition, it should not be considered authoritative, nor should it be cited in legal proceedings. Only the printed, bound volumes of the United States Reports published by the United States Government Printing Office contain the full, final, and official record of the Supreme Court of the United States. The information provided in this publication does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.