Heimler's History: Marbury v. Madison (1803) - Supreme Court Case

Introduction

• Marbury v. Madison is a key Supreme Court case in AP Government curriculum.
• Considered the most significant case in Supreme Court history.

Context and Background

• Political Parties:
  • Emergence of Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
  • Federalists lost 1800 election; Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) became president.
• Federalist Strategy:
  • Outgoing President John Adams (Federalist) appointed Federalist judges to frustrate Jefferson's agenda.
  • Adams signed commissions for judges until he left office; some were not delivered.
• Marbury's Situation:
  • William Marbury was appointed but didn't receive his commission.
  • Marbury sued Madison to obtain his commission via a Writ of Mandamus.

Constitutional Principles

• Jurisdiction Clauses in Article 3:
  • Defines judicial branch powers and case types it can hear.
  • Supreme Court has original and appellate jurisdiction.
  • Original jurisdiction defined narrowly (e.g., cases involving states, foreign ambassadors).

Key Questions of the Case

1. Does Marbury have a legal right to his commission?
   • Answer: Yes. Congress established courts and presidents appoint judges; commissions were legal.
2. Is Writ of Mandamus the proper means?
   • Answer: Yes. Marbury is legally entitled, thus Writ of Mandamus is valid.
3. Does the Court have authority to issue the Writ of Mandamus?
   • Answer: No. Article 3 doesn’t include issuing Writs of Mandamus in its jurisdiction.
   • The Judiciary Act of 1789 expanded the Court's jurisdiction, conflicting with the Constitution.

Supreme Court Decision

• Chief Justice John Marshall's Ruling:
  • Article 13 of Judiciary Act of 1789 conflicted with the Constitution.
  • Declared Article 13 unconstitutional, thus Marbury did not get his commission.

Significance of the Case

• Establishment of Judicial Review:
  • Supreme Court gained power to interpret the Constitution and assess the constitutionality of laws.
  • Judicial branch became the final interpreter of the Constitution.
• Hamilton's Federalist 78:
  • Previously discussed concept of judicial review, but not explicitly in Constitution.

Conclusion

• Impact:
  • Marbury v. Madison set precedent for judicial review.
• Resources:
  • Review packet available for further study.

This case highlights the importance of understanding judicial powers and the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution. Revisit the video for a more detailed understanding if needed.