the judiciary

Supreme Court Composition

There are only nine seats on the Court, justices have lifetime appointments, and the justices are nominated by the president. The justices try to time their departures to give the president of the same party an opportunity to fill the replacement.

Marbury v. Madison

• At stake in the Marbury v. Madison decision was whether William Marbury had a legal right to be hired as a justice of the peace in the District of Columbia.

Marbury v. Madison Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court established that the courts could review laws to determine whether they conflicted with the Constitution.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws invalid if they violate the Constitution.

Accounting for Excesses by Supreme Court Justices

The Constitution allows for impeachment

Marbury v. Madison Basis

• Should Congress or the Constitution prevail?

John Marshall Quote

It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is

Marbury v. Madison Affect:

• It potentially expanded the power of the Court to equal or exceed the power of other branches of government.

Judicial Review Usage

Since the U.S. Constitution was ratified, the Supreme Court has used judicial review to invalidate about 180 national laws.

Overturning a Supreme Court Decision

A constitutional amendment is a mechanism provided by the Constitution that can be used to overturn a Supreme Court decision