Final answer:
Marbury v. Madison established judicial review as the process by which the Supreme Court asserts its power to nullify laws that conflict with the Constitution, creating a cornerstone for American jurisprudence and strengthening the judiciary's role as a co-equal branch of government.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, which would eventually be used by all courts to review the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. This case, decided in 1803 by Chief Justice John Marshall, reinforced the role of the courts in ensuring that the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land.
When there is a conflict between the Constitution and any other law, that law is void. Judicial review strengthened the court by asserting its power to nullify the actions of Congress and the president if they are found to be unconstitutional.
This landmark decision has been used as precedent in the application of the Constitution, especially regarding the Bill of Rights. The principle of stare decisis, which means "stand by the decision" in Latin, allows courts to create legal precedents that are then used as guidelines for future cases. Marbury v. Madison is essential in understanding the structure and function of the American judicial system, as it determines the Supreme Court as the highest authority in interpreting the Constitution.