Marbury vs. Madison was a case decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1803. It is a critical case in American jurisprudence because it established once and for all the principal of "judicial review". Judicial Review is NOT "a pillar in the system of checks and balances". Checks and Balances is a system that separates the government into three branches (Executive, Judicial, and Legislative). The system of checks and balances gives each branch of government its own powers to check on the other branches so no branch gets too crazy with power. Judicial review is the power that is given to the federal courts to not accept acts that are considered unconstitutional. Here is the exact definition: "The power of the federal courts to void acts of Congress in conflict with the Constitution."
The background of the case involved the issuance by outgoing President John Adams of a commission as justice of the peace (a lower level judicial position) to William Marbury. The new Secretary of State, James Madison, refused to deliver it, and Marbury sued to get it.
The net result, and that for which the case shall be forever remembered, is that the judicial branch of government (the courts) have the power and authority to determine the constitutionality of the actions of the other branches of government.
Case Citation:
Marbury v. Madison, 5 US 137 (1803)
Marbury v. Madison established the nature of Article III of the U.S. Constitution and that of judicial review in American Constitutional Law jurisprudence.
Marbury v. Madison
The Supreme court decision on Marbury version Madison by the federal judiciary. This is part of the court systems.
The effect of the landmark Supreme court decision in Marbury vs Madison helped in the separation of powers as far as the executive and legislature is concerned.
It allowed the Supreme Court to overrule an unconstitutional law.
marbury vs. Madison
Marbury v. Madison
The Supreme court decision on Marbury version Madison by the federal judiciary. This is part of the court systems.
The effect of the landmark Supreme court decision in Marbury vs Madison helped in the separation of powers as far as the executive and legislature is concerned.
Judicial Review
The US Supreme Court heard the Marbury v. Madison case in 1803.Marbury v. Madison is considered one of the most important cases in the history of the Supreme Court.
It allowed the Supreme Court to overrule an unconstitutional law.
It gave the Supreme Court powers not given by the Constitution.
It gave the Supreme Court powers not granted by the Constitution
Marbury vs. Madison
Marbury vs Madison established the principle of "judicial review."Judicial review says the Supreme Court can decide on whether laws passed by Congress and signed by the President are constitutional.
marbury vs. Madison
It established the authority of the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of an act of Congress. That is, it resolved that the Supreme Court is the final authority when determining whether a law is Constitutional or not.