Dartmouth college vs Woodward

In 1769, the King of England granted a charter to Dartmouth college, which stated the purpose, structure, and the land that it would be located on. However, New Hampshire passed new laws that would interfere with the school's functions, and changed it from private to public. The trustees filed suit, declaring that the state had no right according to Article. 1, Section 10 of the Constitutio

In 1769, the king of England granted a charter to Dartmouth college.

2. In 1816 the New Hampshire passed laws that affected the processes of the school. It changed it from a private, to public college, the duties of the trustees, and how they were selected.

Did New Hampshire unconstitutionally over step its power regarding the college's functions and rights under the Contract Clause?

The Court declared that a state (New Hampshire in this case) cannot interfere with a contract between two private parties (Dartmouth and the King of England). And, even though it was established between a King and Trustees when we were a royal colony, the contract is still valid. The school was allowed to continue to be ran as a private institution.

states did not have authority or control over private parties contracts under the constitution, therefore expressing the sovereignty of the Federal Government