Explain - Why is the court case Marbury v Madison significant? How did it elevate the power of the Supreme Court?
Need additional support: The court case of Marbury v. Madison was significant because _________________. This specific case established ______________. This elevated the power of the Supreme Court by ________________.
The court case of Marbury v Madison was significant because it established the principle of judicial review, which is the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. This specific case involved the appointment of William Marbury as a justice of peace by outgoing President John Adams. However, the Secretary of State at the time, James Madison, refused to deliver Marbury's commission.
The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled in favor of Marbury but also declared that the law granting the Court original jurisdiction in such cases was unconstitutional. This decision ultimately established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the ability to review and strike down laws or executive actions that are in violation of the Constitution.
This elevated the power of the Supreme Court by granting it the authority to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. It defined the Court's role as a coequal branch of government and established its power to serve as a check on the other branches, particularly the legislative and executive branches. Through judicial review, the Supreme Court became the final arbiter in deciding the constitutionality of laws, shaping the development of American government and becoming a key player in the system of checks and balances.