Marbury vs Madison case summary
Facts:
William Marbury was appointed Justice of the Peace by President John Adams. Secretary of State James Madison refused to deliver Marbury’s commission. Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus.
Issue:
Can the Supreme Court compel the Executive Branch to perform a ministerial act?
Relevant Legal Concepts:
1. Judicial Review
2. Separation of Powers
3. Constitutional Interpretation
4. Writ of Mandamus
5. Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium (Where there is a right, there is a remedy)
Judgement:
The ruling in Marbury v. Madison established the power of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to invalidate laws that it deems unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruled 4-0 in favor of Madison, but denied Marbury’s request for a writ of mandamus. The Court found that it lacked jurisdiction to issue the writ because the law that authorized it was unconstitutional.
Chief Justice John Marshall:
“It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.”
Consequences:
1. Shaped American constitutional law and jurisprudence.
2. Established the Supreme Court as a co-equal branch.
3. Influenced the development of checks and balances.
By- Maihar sundaram singh
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