After John Adams lost the reelection to
Thomas Jefferson, the Federalist Congress increased the number of circuit
courts. Adams placed Federalist judges in these new positions. Since several of
the 'Midnight' appointments were not sent before Jefferson took office, he
immediately stopped their delivery. One of the justices of the peace, William
Marbury, filed a writ of mandamus demanding Secretary of State James Madison
deliver the appointments.
Thomas Jefferson, the Federalist Congress increased the number of circuit
courts. Adams placed Federalist judges in these new positions. Since several of
the 'Midnight' appointments were not sent before Jefferson took office, he
immediately stopped their delivery. One of the justices of the peace, William
Marbury, filed a writ of mandamus demanding Secretary of State James Madison
deliver the appointments.
This historic court case established the
concept of Judicial Review or the ability of the Judiciary Branch to declare a
law unconstitutional Marbury v. Madison accomplished this end thereby setting
the precedent for numerous historic decisions in the
future.
concept of Judicial Review or the ability of the Judiciary Branch to declare a
law unconstitutional Marbury v. Madison accomplished this end thereby setting
the precedent for numerous historic decisions in the
future.