Marbury v. Madison Terms

John Marshall

Secretary of State who did not deliver the commission; later his role is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Writ of Mandamus

A written document that forces a government official to do something or to stop doing something.

William Marbury

One of the midnight judges who did not get his commission; the person who brings the case to court.

Judicial review

The idea that the Supreme Court determines the constitutionality of a law or the acts of a government officia.

John Adams

President who signed off on William Marbury's commission.

Commission

In this instance, a piece of paper giving a federal judge his job.

James Madison

Secretary of State who doesn't deliver commissions based on an order by the President at the time

Midnight Judge

the term for a federal judge appointed by President Adams during the last moments of his presidency.

Thomas Jefferson

President of the U.S. in 1803 (when the case was decided)

appellate jurisdiction

Authority of court to review a decision of a lower court.

original jurisdiction

the power of a court to hear a case first, before any other court

Federal Judiciary Act of 1789

The act that created a court system and divided authority between the state and federal courts. Allowed for a writ of mandamus to be issued under original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.