Marbury v Madison 1803

What is the case about?

The case resulted from a petition to the

Supreme Court by William Marbury, who had
been appointed by President John Adams as a
Justice of the peace in the District of
Columbia. New Secretary of State James
Madison refused to deliver Marbury’s and
several other commissions to congress for
approval due to “party politics” and the last
day appointments.
 What was the ruling?
■ On February 24, 1803, the Court rendered
a unanimous (4 – 0) decision that Marbury
had the right to his commission but the
court did not have the power to force
Madison to deliver the commission.

■ Chief Justice Marshall ruled in his opinion

that “aspects of the Judiciary Act of 1789
were in conflict with the constitution.”
 What precedent was set?
(Precedent-any act, decision, or case that serves as a
guide or justification for subsequent situations.)

■ Established the concept of “Judicial

Review.”

■ The Supreme Court could declare any

action of the government to be
Unconstitutional.
 Why is it important/significant
■ Confirmed the basis for the Supreme
Court's role in the U.S. Governmental
system.
■ This case set up the basis for the Supreme
Court being an active, law making body
rather than the puppet court it was at its
inception.
■ The court stood up to the president and
flexed its power.