Roger Taney issues decision in Bank of Augusta v. Earle

The case of Bank of Augusta v. Earle revolves around whether a corporation chartered in one state can do business in another. The state of Alabama argues that a corporation, as a legal entity, has no existence outside the range of the laws which chartered it. Taney rules that a corporation does not have a legal existence outside its home state but may do business in anther state through its agents there if the other state so permits. -- Joanne Williams
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Roger Taney issues decision in Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge Company

In 1796 Massachusetts issued a charter allowing the Charles River Bridge Company to build a toll bridge over the Charles River. In 1828, due to increased traffic, they issue a second charter to the Warren Bridge Company to build another bridge over the Charles River which would become a free bridge upon its completion. The Charles River Bridge Company sued alleging that their original charter had given them a monopoly over traffic across the river. Taney finds for the Warren Bridge Company stating that the Charles River Bridge Company’s contract had not explicitly stated that they were to be given a monopoly over river traffic. (By Joanne Williams)
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Roger Taney becomes Secretary of the Treasury due to the Bank War

The Bank of the United States' charter is due to be renewed, and Taney advises Jackson to let it expire, which is exactly what Jackson wants to hear. Two consecutive Secretaries of the Treasury, Lewis cLane and William J. Duane, support the bank and refuse to remove federal money from it. Jackson finally appoints Taney as Secretary of the Treasury because he trusts Taney to help him kill the bank. Taney will obligingly do so.

-- Joanne Williams

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Roger Taney defends abolitionist minister Jacob Gruber against charges of inciting a slave riot.

Jacob Gruber delivers a speech in Hagerstown, Maryland attacking the institution of slavery. The audience consists of twenty-six hundred white people and four hundred blacks, including slaves. Thus, charges of inciting a slave riot by preaching against slavery to an audience which includes slaves are leveled against Gruber. Taney successfully defends him on the grounds that his actions are protected under the right to free speech. During his defense of the minister Taney declares that slavery “is a blot on our national character, and every real lover of freedom confidently hopes that it will be effectually, though it must be gradually, wiped away.” -- Joanne Williams
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