BRIEF
MARBURY v. MADISON
Supreme Court of the United States, 1803
5 U.S. 137
FACTS:
President John Adams appointed William Marbury as a justice of the peace in the District of Columbia towards the end of his term under the Organic Act. With an attempt to take control of the federal judiciary, the documents were signed and sealed; however, the documents weren’t delivered before President John Adams’ term ended.
Subsequently, Secretary of State, James Madison, was to deliver the commission; however, newly elected, President Thomas Jefferson, refused to recognize the appointment. President Thomas Jefferson claimed the commission was invalid and advised James Madison to disregard.
Under the provisions of the Judiciary Act of 1789, William Marbury
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Can the Supreme Court of the United States rule in this case?
4. Can the Supreme Court of the United States identify unconstitutional acts of Congress?
DECISION:
1. Yes. William Marbury was appointed and entitled to serve as the Justice of Peace in the District of Columbia.
2. No. Although William Marbury is entitled to a remedy it will not come in the form of a “writ of mandamus”.
3. No. The Supreme Court of the United States doesn’t have the “original jurisdiction” according to Article III of the Constitution; therefore, limiting the ability to perform a writ of mandamus. The case was discharged.
4. Yes. The Supreme Court of the United States has an obligation to uphold the Constitution giving authority to identify acts of Congress that don’t concur with the esteem values and the law.
REASONING:
1. The President of the United States with the authority of executive constitutional power, John Adams, made the commission effective once it was signed while in term.
2. Issuing a mandamus (order) to the Secretary of State is outside the constitutional limits of the Supreme Court of the United States unless it was shown to be an exercise of appellate jurisdiction or necessary to enable the exercise of appellate