What was the significance of the Supreme Court decision in Marbury V. Madison?

The significance of the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison lies in its establishment of the power of judicial review for federal courts. This landmark case, decided in 1803, solidified the role of the judiciary as an equal branch of government by affirming its authority to review and potentially invalidate laws and executive actions that are found to be unconstitutional.

In this context, 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. The court ultimately ruled that although Marbury was entitled to his commission, the law that granted the Supreme Court the authority to issue such a writ was itself unconstitutional. This assertion set a precedent that empowered the judiciary to challenge the legislative and executive branches, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and that all branches of government operate within the limits defined by the Constitution.

Recognizing the importance of this decision helps to understand the balance of power among the branches of government and the role of the judiciary in maintaining constitutional integrity.