Marbury v. Madison Essential Points

What law led to the Marbury v. Madison case?

Section 13 of the Judiciary Act of 1789, which gave the Supreme Court the power to issue writs of mandamus.

What triggered the dispute in Marbury v. Madison?

President Adams’ “midnight judges” appointments and Jefferson’s refusal (via Madison) to deliver William Marbury’s commission.

What is a writ of mandamus?

A court order directing a government official to carry out a specific duty required by law.

What did William Marbury want the Supreme Court to do?

Issue a writ of mandamus forcing Madison to deliver his judicial commission.

What did the Court decide about Marbury’s right to his commission?

The Court ruled Marbury had a right to his commission and could sue.

Why did the Court deny Marbury his commission anyway?

Because Section 13 of the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional—it expanded the Court’s original jurisdiction beyond Article III.

What was Chief Justice John Marshall’s reasoning in Marbury v. Madison?

If a law conflicts with the Constitution, the Constitution must prevail; it is the Court’s duty to interpret the law.

How did Marbury v. Madison establish judicial review?

By declaring part of the Judiciary Act unconstitutional, the Court asserted its power to strike down laws conflicting with the Constitution.

How does the ruling in Marbury v. Madison relate to the U.S. Constitution?

It reinforced Article III, showing Congress cannot expand the Court’s jurisdiction beyond what the Constitution allows.

How does Marbury v. Madison relate to Federalist No. 78?

Federalist No. 78 argued that courts should strike down laws contrary to the Constitution; Marbury put this principle into practice.

What was the long-term significance of Marbury v. Madison?

It made judicial review a core power of the Supreme Court, strengthening the judiciary as a coequal branch of government.