What was the significance of the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison?

The significance of the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison lies in its establishment of the principle of judicial review. This landmark decision, delivered by Chief Justice John Marshall in 1803, affirmed the authority of the Supreme Court to review acts of Congress and determine their constitutionality. By declaring that it had the power to invalidate laws that conflicted with the Constitution, the Court positioned itself as a co-equal branch of government and a guardian of the Constitution.

This principle of judicial review fundamentally shaped the balance of power among the branches of government and has had a lasting impact on the role of the judicial system in American government. It allows the judiciary to check the legislative and executive branches, thereby ensuring that no law or executive action can stand if it violates the Constitution. This decision laid the foundation for the Supreme Court's role in interpreting the Constitution and has been referenced in numerous cases throughout American history.