Marbury v. Madison
1803
The Most Significant and
Controversial Supreme Court
Case in History!
Character List – Marbury v.
Madison 1803
President John Adams:
- 1797 - 1801
- made “midnight” appointments to newly
created government offices in the
administration
William Marbury:
- appointed Justice of Peace for District of
Columbia last minute of Adams’s presidency
Character List – Marbury v.
Madison 1803
Thomas Jefferson: new president in 1800
- angry at the fact that federalists tried to keep a
hand in the administration
- ordered James Madison NOT to deliver the
remaining commissions of appointments
James Madison: Jefferson’s new secretary of state
ordered NOT to deliver appointments
John Marshall:
- Secretary of State during Adams’s
presidency AND the Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court in the ruling!
Background Information/Facts
Box #1
-
Election of 1800 = T. Jefferson
Adams = last minute appts. before switch
Madison does not deliver Marbury’s appt.
Marbury takes the issue to the Supreme Court demanding the
commission based on the Judiciary Act of 1789
* the establishment of the judicial branch to exist and appear in the
Constitution outlining the basic components (judges and jurisdiction)
* it DID NOT give the judicial branch the POWER TO INTERPRET
LAW IN COURT CASES (judicial review)!!
Amendment/Issue Being
Challenged
Does Supreme Court have the power to interpret the
Constitution?
Does the judicial branch NEED this power to make
decisions over controversies?
Ruling
Constitution DOES NOT state that judicial
branch has power to interpret the Constitution.
Madison violated Marbury’s right to appointment,
BUT Marbury DID NOT receive appointment
Significance
** JUDICIAL REVIEW!!!
gives S.C. power to interpret the Const.
(Const. or Unconst.)