Marbury v. Madison [1803]

5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States

constitutional lawconstitutional lawfederal courts law

Issue

Could the Supreme Court issue a writ of mandamus under the Judiciary Act of 1789?

Held

No. The statutory grant of original jurisdiction was unconstitutional.

Exam use

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Summary

Canonical foundation for judicial review in United States constitutional law.

Facts

William Marbury sought delivery of a judicial commission after a change in presidential administration.

Issue

Could the Supreme Court issue a writ of mandamus under the Judiciary Act of 1789?

Held

No. The statutory grant of original jurisdiction was unconstitutional.

Ratio Decidendi

Federal courts have authority to review legislative acts for constitutional validity.

Reasoning

Chief Justice Marshall concluded that written constitutional limits require courts to disregard statutes that conflict with the Constitution.

Essay-Ready Explanation Generator

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Reference to Marbury v. Madison (5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803)) strengthens a constitutional law answer because the case reflects the principle that Federal courts have authority to review legislative acts for constitutional validity. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as Could the Supreme Court issue a writ of mandamus under the Judiciary Act of 1789? The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.

Significance

Canonical foundation for judicial review in United States constitutional law.

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Exam Tips

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Revision Checklist

  • Name the issue before discussing facts so the marker sees the legal question immediately.
  • State the holding in one sentence, then use the ratio to explain why the court reached that result.
  • Use the citation and jurisdiction to show why this authority matters for the problem you are answering.
  • Pair this case with one supporting or contrasting authority if the question tests limits, policy, or exceptions.

Sources