Marbury vs. Madison
Judicial Review is established.
Adams appoints new
judges…
John Adams signs appointments
on his last night in office.
Thomas Jefferson is to take over
as President.
What political party do you think
the judges Adams appointed
belonged to? Why did he do this?
“midnight judges”- what these
new judges were referred to
as.
William Marbury was one of
these “midnight judges.”
When does Madison come
into play?
James Madison, TJs new Secretary
of State, was supposed to officially
present Marbury with his new
position…
But he didn’t!
So… Marbury sued and appealed
to the Supreme Court to get
Madison to award him the
position…
The Verdict.
Supreme Court refuses to grant
Marbury his position!!
Why?
A section of the Judiciary Act of
1789 (which set up the federal
court system in the first place) was
unconstitutional and void.
Lasting Impact…
This is the first time the Supreme
Court overturns an act of
Congress.
Checks & balances in action!
Judicial Review- Supreme Court’s
ability to declare a law or act
unconstitutional