Marbury v Madison (1803)
In the 1800 presidential election, Thomas Jefferson beat out John Adams. Preceding Jefferson’s inauguration, Adams signed the Judiciary Act of 1801 that added many new judges and justices to the judiciary system, who were also known as Midnight Judges and were purposely hostile toward Jefferson. William Marbury was appointed as a justice of the peace, but did not receive his commission (official letter of appointment). The new Secretary of State James Madison was told to withhold the commissions because, according to Jefferson, it would only be valid when it was delivered. Marbury along with 3 other appointees petitioned the court to file a writ of mandamus (command) that they receive their letters of commission. The lawsuit raises the question, were Madison and Jefferson required to hand over the letter of commission to Marbury?
Breakdown Verdict.
A unanimous verdict determined that Marbury was entitled to his commission, and that Jefferson withholding it was unconstitutional. However, they could not write the writ of mandamus to give Marbury the letter because Article III of the Constitution—granting power to the judicial system—did not specifically give jurisdiction to the court. Justice John Marshall determined that the Constitution was the supreme law of the land and did not allow the court to issue the writ of mandamus, meaning that they could not issue Marbury’s command. He was given the right to his commission, entitled to a remedy, however the Supreme Court was unable to issue that remedy for him.
Result Going Forward.
Marbury v Madison revolutionized the idea of judicial review, where federal courts can strike laws and actions that are deemed unconstitutional. Without this case, the judicial system would be much weaker, and congress along with the president would be the only judges of constitutionality. The ruling allows the Supreme Court to interpret the law with proper jurisdiction and regulates the checks and balances system in which the United States depends on to this day.
Do you agree with the verdict?
100%
0%