In Marbury vs. Madison, William Marbury sued James Madison for failing to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace after being appointed by President Jefferson. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that while Marbury was entitled to his commission, the court did not have the power to force Madison to deliver it, establishing the principle of judicial review that allows courts to evaluate the constitutionality of laws.

1. Marbury vs. Madison

3. William Marbury, appointed as justice of peace in the district of Columbia, sued James Madison for failing to deliver the necessary papers to him and the rest of the newly appointed members.

5. Madison disagreed, by the time the case came before court he was the new Chief Justice. He argued the opposite of Marbury which was that he didn’t have to deliver the papers because the president had signed off on it.

7. This case eventually led to the idea of Judicial Review which is that the actions of the executive and legislative branches of government are subject to review and possible invalidation by the judicial branch.