Marbury v. Madison
Established judicial review in American constitutional law.
Marbury v. This case originated from the rivalry between outgoing president John Adams and incoming president Thomas Jefferson, and it involved William Marbury, a Maryland businessman and Federalist supporter, who sued Secretary of State James Madison for his undelivered commission as a justice of the peace. The decision is regarded as the single most important decision in American constitutional law, defining the boundary between the executive and judicial branches and affirming that the U.S. Constitution is actual law.
- Case name
- Marbury v. Madison
- Court
- Supreme Court of the United States
- Chief Justice
- John Marshall
- Key principle
- Judicial review
- Outcome
- Unanimous 4–0 decision against Marbury
Lore & Background
The Senate confirmed these appointments, but outgoing Secretary of State John Marshall could not deliver all commissions before Jefferson's inauguration. Jefferson believed the undelivered commissions were void and instructed his secretary of state, James Madison, not to deliver them. One undelivered commission belonged to William Marbury, a Maryland businessman and strong Federalist supporter.
Reader's Guide
The Supreme Court's opinion, written by Chief Justice John Marshall, held that Madison's refusal to deliver Marbury's commission was illegal and that normally a court could order the government official to deliver it. However, the court did not order Madison to comply. The court struck down that section, announcing that American courts have the power to invalidate laws that violate the Constitution—a power now known as judicial review. Because striking down the law removed any jurisdiction the court might have had, it could not issue the writ Marbury requested. This decision established that the U.S. Constitution is actual law, not merely a statement of political principles, and helped define the boundary between the executive and judicial branches.
Did You Know?
- The case originated from the rivalry between outgoing president John Adams and incoming president Thomas Jefferson.
- William Marbury was a Maryland businessman and a strong supporter of Adams and the Federalist Party.
- The Supreme Court's decision was unanimous, 4–0, and written by Chief Justice John Marshall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Marbury v. Madison's powers or role?
The decision established the principle of judicial review, meaning the federal courts can strike down legislation that conflicts with the Constitution. In doing so, it drew a clear line between the executive and judicial branches and gave the Court a permanent check on the other two.
Why is Marbury v. Madison important?
It is widely regarded as the single most consequential ruling in American constitutional law because it permanently anchored the judiciary as the final arbiter of what the Constitution means. Without it, the Supreme Court would lack the structural authority to invalidate acts of Congress or the President.
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