Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge

Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge was a 1837 U.S. Supreme Court case that addressed whether a new state-chartered bridge could violate an existing contract. The Charles River Bridge Company argued their exclusive rights should prevent any competition, while the state’s new Warren Bridge aimed to increase access and reduce costs. The Court ruled that the state's interest in public welfare and economic development took precedence over contractual exclusivity, emphasizing that states could pass laws to benefit the general public, even if it impacted private contracts. This decision highlighted the balance between contractual rights and the government’s authority to promote the common good.