What was the main outcome of the Dartmouth College v. Woodward case?

The outcome of the Dartmouth College v. Woodward case primarily established the inviolability of state contracts, which was a significant legal precedent in American jurisprudence. This 1819 Supreme Court decision ruled that the charter of Dartmouth College was a contract and could not be altered by the New Hampshire legislature without the consent of the college. This confirmed the principle that states could not interfere with private contracts, providing protection for corporate charters and reinforcing the idea that private contracts must be upheld by the state.

This ruling had far-reaching implications for economic development and the protection of businesses, underscoring the importance of contract law in promoting stability and confidence in commerce. The decision reinforced the concept that contracts, once established, are sacred and must be honored, setting a foundational principle in both economic and legal aspects of governance in the United States.

Other options address various concepts in U.S. constitutional law or governance, but only the correct choice specifically identifies the core outcome of this landmark case.