Marbury v. Madison

Background

• President John Adams appointed individuals to federal positions (judges, postmasters) at the end of his term.
• These "midnight appointments" aimed to undermine incoming President Thomas Jefferson.
• Some commissions were undelivered when Jefferson took office.

The Case

• William Marbury, an appointee, sued Secretary of State James Madison for failing to deliver his commission.
• Marbury sought a writ of mandamus from the Supreme Court to compel Madison to act.

The Ruling

• Chief Justice John Marshall led the court.
• The court declined to issue the writ.
• The court established judicial review: the power to review the actions of other branches and determine their constitutionality.