
Marbury vs. Madison Judicial Review is established.
Adams appoints new judges… • John Adams signs appointments on his last night in office. • Thomas Jefferson is to take over as President. • What political party do you think the judges Adams appointed belonged to? Why did he do this?
“midnight judges”- what these new judges were referred to as. • William Marbury was one of these “midnight judges.”
When does Madison come into play? • James Madison, TJs new Secretary of State, was supposed to officially present Marbury with his new position… • But he didn’t! • So… Marbury sued and appealed to the Supreme Court to get Madison to award him the position…
The Verdict. • Supreme Court refuses to grant Marbury his position!! • Why? • A section of the Judiciary Act of 1789 (which set up the federal court system in the first place) was unconstitutional and void.
Lasting Impact… • This is the first time the Supreme Court overturns an act of Congress. • Checks & balances in action! • Judicial Review- Supreme Court’s ability to declare a law or act unconstitutional