Worcester v. Georgia

The Court held that Georgia state law had no force within Cherokee territory, affirming tribal sovereignty against state interference.

Overview

Samuel Worcester, a missionary living in Cherokee territory with federal permission, was convicted under a Georgia statute requiring state licenses for white residents on tribal lands. Chief Justice Marshall held that the Cherokee Nation was a distinct community occupying its own territory with self-government, and that only the United States could deal with tribes. Georgia's law interfered with federal treaties and was void. The ruling was resisted by Georgia and not enforced, and the Cherokee were later forced west on the Trail of Tears. Worcester is now a cornerstone of tribal sovereignty doctrine.