Court Cases: Marbury v. Madison

Marbury v. Madison (1803) was a landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review—the power of courts to evaluate laws and decide if they are constitutional. William Marbury petitioned for a court order (writ of mandamus) to have his commission as a government official delivered. The Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that the law Marbury relied on was unconstitutional, thereby asserting the judiciary's role in checking the legislative and executive branches. This case solidified the Supreme Court’s authority to interpret the Constitution and review laws, shaping the balance of power in the U.S. government.