Gibbons v. Ogden

Citation. 22 U.S. 1, 9 Wheat. 1, 6 L. Ed. 23 (1824)

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Citation22 U.S. 1, 9 Wheat. 1, 6 L. Ed. 23 (1824)

Brief Fact Summary. Ogden was given an exclusive license, pursuant to a New York statute, to run a ferry between New York and New Jersey. Gibbons obtained a license, pursuant to federal law, to run a ferry in New York waters, thus, running in interference with Ogden’s license. Ogden sought an injunction against Gibbons.

Synopsis of Rule of Law. Congress’ power to regulate interstate commerce does not stop at the external boundary line of a State. Congress’ power to regulate within its sphere is exclusive.

Points of Law - Legal Principles in this Case for Law Students.

The acts of the legislature of the state of New York, granting to Robert R. Livingston and Robert Fulton, the exclusive navigation of all the waters within the jurisdiction of that state, with boats moved by fire or steam, for a term of years, are repugnant to that clause to the constitution of the United States, which authorizes congress to regulate commerce, so far as the said acts prohibits vessels, licensed, according to the laws of the United States, for carrying on the coasting trade, from navigating the said waters by means of fire or steam.

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Facts. The New York legislature enacted a statute granting Fulton and Livingston an exclusive right to operate a steamboat in New York waters. Thereupon, Fulton and Livingston licensed Ogden to operate a ferry between New York and New Jersey. Later, Gibbons began operating a ferry, licensed under a statute enacted by Congress that necessarily entailed Gibbons entering into New York waters, thereby violating Ogden’s monopoly. Ogden obtained an injunction against Gibbons from a New York court.

Issue. Was the New York court’s injunction against Ogden’s license lawful?

Held. No. The New York monopoly was invalid under the Supremacy Clause. Gibbons was given a license to move within the New York waterway, i.e., to navigate. Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution (Constitution) grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. Contrary to Ogden’s assertion, “commerce” means more than traffic. It also encompasses navigation. The phrase “among the several states” means “intermingled with them”. Therefore, Congress’ power to regulate “among the several states” must not stop at the external boundary line of each State. Congress’ power must also extend to each States’ interior. Moreover, the power of Congress to regulate within its proper sphere, e.g., interstate commerce, is exclusive.

Discussion. The student should note that chief Justice John Marshall (J. Marshall) in his holding is not saying that commerce that is completely internal and that does not affect other States is subject to regulation by Congress under the Commerce Clause.

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