Question

Marbury v. Madison. Explain the case, Marbury v. Madison in five to seven bullet points

Answer 1

Marbury v. Madison was a landmark Supreme Court case in which Chief Justice John Marshall established the principle of judicial review. The ruling maintained the Court's authority while respecting the executive branch, reinforcing the judiciary's role in government.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. The case stemmed from a conflict between the outgoing administration of John Adams and the incoming president Thomas Jefferson, with Adams' appointee William Marbury petitioning for his commission as justice of the peace.
2. Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that Marbury was entitled to his commission but also stated that the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional, as it extended the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction.
3. This ruling established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to nullify congressional acts and actions of the president if deemed unconstitutional.
4. While this case affirmed Marbury's right to his commission, it also denied him the remedy because the Court lacked the authority to issue a writ of mandamus according to the Constitution.
5. The decision was a political balancing act, supporting Marbury and the Federalists without directly challenging Jefferson or the executive branch.
6. Marshall's opinion limited the court's immediate power but significantly expanded its role in American government by asserting its ability to interpret the Constitution.