What landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?

Prepare for the FTCE Social Science Exam. Access study materials with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Achieve success on your certification test!

The principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, was established by the case Marbury v. Madison. In this pivotal decision, issued in 1803, Chief Justice John Marshall articulated that it is the duty of the judicial branch to interpret the law and to ensure that no laws contrary to the Constitution are enforced. This case arose when William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace. The Court ultimately found that the specific law Marbury relied on was unconstitutional, thus setting a precedent for the power of the judiciary to review and invalidate government actions that conflict with the Constitution. This decision solidified the judiciary's role as a co-equal branch of government and affirmed the supremacy of the Constitution.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy