Marbury v. Madison (1803) is one of the most important Supreme Court cases in U.S. history because it established judicial review, the principle that the Supreme Court has the power to declare laws and government actions unconstitutional. This case set the foundation for the judiciary’s role as a co-equal branch of government.

Key Takeaways:

1. Established Judicial Review
   • The ruling confirmed that the Supreme Court has the authority to interpret the Constitution and strike down laws that violate it.
   • This made the judiciary the final arbiter of constitutional disputes, ensuring that no law or government action can override the Constitution.
2. Reinforced the Separation of Powers
   • The decision ensured that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches remain separate and that neither Congress nor the president can act beyond their constitutional limits.
   • It prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
3. Strengthened the Rule of Law
   • Marbury v. Madison reinforced that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and no government official—including the president—can override it.
   • This principle is the foundation of American democracy, ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently.
4. Limited Executive Power
   • The case arose because President Thomas Jefferson’s administration refused to deliver judicial appointments made by the previous president, John Adams.
   • Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the law granting the Supreme Court the power to issue such orders (the Judiciary Act of 1789) was unconstitutional, but in doing so, he asserted that it is the courts—not the president—who determine the law.

Why It Still Matters Today

• The ruling serves as a check on executive overreach, ensuring that presidents follow constitutional limits.
• It allows courts to strike down laws that violate constitutional rights.
• It continues to shape landmark cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education (ending segregation) and Roe v. Wade (abortion rights, later overturned).

Without Marbury v. Madison, the courts would have little power to enforce constitutional limits, and the executive or legislative branches could act without accountability. It remains a cornerstone of American law and democracy.

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