Final answer:
The case of Marbury v. Madison confirms the legal principle of judicial review, enabling the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. This power, established in 1803, maintains checks and balances within the federal government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The case that confirms the legal principle of judicial review is Marbury v. Madison. This landmark decision in 1803 established the ability of the Supreme Court to limit Congressional power by declaring legislation unconstitutional. Judicial review is the power of the courts to assess and overturn laws or other government actions based on whether they align with the Constitution. While the Constitution does not expressly mention judicial review, this case set a precedent for the Supreme Court and lower courts to engage in this practice, thereby maintaining the system of checks and balances critical to the federal government.
Since the decision in Marbury v. Madison, the power of judicial review has allowed the Supreme Court and other courts to extend their oversight, even to include review of state and local government actions. It plays a significant role in American law, ensuring that legislative and executive actions do not overstep constitutional boundaries.