A quick primer on Marbury v. Madison: Background, Summary & Significance

Marbury v. Madison (1803) is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, a cornerstone of American law.

Background: In the final days of John Adams’ presidency, he appointed several Federalist judges, including William Marbury, which Thomas Jefferson’s administration refused to honor.

Marbury, appointed as a justice of the peace in D.C., petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Jefferson’s Secretary of State, James Madison, to deliver his commission.

Chief Justice John Marshall, an Adams appointee, faced a dilemma: enforce Marbury’s right to the commission and provoke Jefferson, or deny and appear weak.

The Court’s decision was strategic. It held that while Marbury was entitled to his commission, the Court couldn't enforce it as the Judiciary Act of 1789, enabling Marbury's claim, was unconstitutional.

This was the first time the Supreme Court declared a law passed by Congress to be unconstitutional, thereby asserting the judiciary's role in interpreting the law.

The case established the doctrine of judicial review, empowering the Supreme Court to invalidate congressional acts that conflict with the Constitution.

Marbury v. Madison set the precedent for the balance of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the U.S. government.

Its impact is profound; it underpins the Court’s authority to review and overturn laws and executive actions that violate the Constitution.

Marbury v. Madison is a keystone in U.S. constitutional law, ensuring that no law or executive action is above the Constitution, a principle fundamental to American democracy.