What doctrine was established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison?

The doctrine established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison is judicial review. This landmark decision, rendered in 1803, set the precedent that the Supreme Court has the authority to review acts of Congress and determine whether they are constitutional. This power enables the judiciary to invalidate laws and government actions that contradict the Constitution, thereby reinforcing the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive and legislative branches.

Judicial review is fundamental to the checks and balances framework embodied in the U.S. Constitution, allowing the judiciary to act as a guardian of constitutional rights and principles. The case arose when William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace; however, the ruling ultimately concluded that the law Marbury invoked was itself unconstitutional.

Understanding judicial review is crucial as it illustrates how the judiciary can act as a check on the other branches of government, ensuring that legislative and executive actions comply with constitutional mandates. This doctrine has since played a pivotal role in numerous subsequent cases and continues to shape the legal landscape of American government.