Marbury v. Madison
United States Supreme Court
5 U.S. (Cranch 1) 137 (1803)
Relevant factsFree
President Adams signed judicial commissions for several appointees, including Marbury (plaintiff) as Justice of the Peace for the District of Columbia, but the commissions weren't delivered before Adams's term ended; incoming President Jefferson directed Secretary of State Madison (defendant) not to deliver them. Marbury sued directly in the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction, seeking a writ of mandamus under the Judiciary Act of 1789 to compel delivery of his commission.
IssueFree
Whether the Supreme Court of the United States has the authority to review laws and legislative acts to determine whether they comply with the United States Constitution.