Worcester v. Georgia (1832) was a landmark Supreme Court case in which the Court held that the state of Georgia could not impose its laws on Native American lands, affirming the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. The decision upheld the rights of Native Americans to their territory, stating that only the federal government had the authority to regulate interactions with them.
Despite the ruling in favor of the Cherokee, President Andrew Jackson famously defied the decision, reportedly saying, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it," effectively allowing Georgia to continue its policies of removal against Native Americans.
As a result, the decision had little practical effect, leading to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans along what became known as the Trail of Tears, resulting in significant suffering and loss of life among the Cherokee and other tribes.
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