Marbury v. Madison: A Key Supreme Court Case

Marbury v. Madison was decided in 1803. It is a very important case in the history of the Supreme Court. This case introduced the idea of judicial review. Judicial review means that the Supreme Court can cancel laws and actions by the government if they go against the Constitution.

What Happened in the Case?

Here’s a quick look at the main points of Marbury v. Madison:

1. Background:

   • Before leaving office, President John Adams made some last-minute appointments.
   • However, not all of the appointments were delivered.
   • William Marbury was one of those appointees and wanted the Court to help him get his job.

2. Supreme Court's Decision:

   • The Chief Justice, John Marshall, decided that Marbury had the right to his appointment.
   • But the Court said they couldn’t make Madison deliver the papers because the law that gave them that power was against the Constitution.

3. Judicial Review Established:

   • This was the first time the Supreme Court said a law was unconstitutional.
   • This decision showed that the judiciary is an equal branch of government, just like the legislative and executive branches.
   • It confirmed the Supreme Court’s role in interpreting the Constitution.

Some Numbers to Know:

• Before this case, no one clearly defined judicial review. Different states and courts acted in different ways regarding it.
• Since 1803, the Supreme Court has used judicial review over 200 times.
• This has led to more than 150 federal and state laws being canceled.
• The Supreme Court’s decisions on these cases have changed important policies and laws, affecting civil rights, government powers, and individual freedoms.

In Summary:

Marbury v. Madison was a key moment that gave the courts the power to review what laws and actions the government can take. This helps keep the Constitution as the highest law in the country and protects people’s rights from being overstepped by the government.