RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Many notable Supreme Court cases have shaped American law and society. As various rulings help us understand constitutional rights and influence public policy, it's essential to acknowledge that some of the landmark cases came from Virginia.

Here's a little bit about four Supreme Court cases that began in Virginia.

Cohens v. Virginia (1821)

After Congress passed a bill to establish a National Lottery to raise money for Washington, D.C., brothers Philip and Mendes Cohen, who managed the Norfolk branch of Cohens Lottery and Exchange Office of Baltimore, were convicted in Virginia of selling lottery tickets in violation of state law.

In June 1820, both Cohens were charged by Norfolk authorities with selling tickets in Virginia for the National Lottery. They were la

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