What principle was established by the Marbury v. Madison case?

The principle established by the Marbury v. Madison case is judicial review. This landmark Supreme Court decision, decided in 1803, affirmed the authority of the judiciary to review acts of Congress and determine their constitutionality. This means that if a law passed by Congress is found to be in conflict with the Constitution, the judiciary can declare that law void.

The significance of this ruling lies in the fact that it established the judiciary as an independent and equal branch of government, with the power to check the other branches through this review process. Judicial review has since become a fundamental aspect of the American legal system, ensuring that the principles set forth in the Constitution are upheld.

In contrast, while treaties and their enforcement could be part of discussions regarding the judiciary, Marbury v. Madison specifically focused on the ability of the courts to invalidate laws. Separation of powers, while relevant to the structure of government and the roles of each branch, was not the primary issue at stake in this case. Federal supremacy pertains to the hierarchy of laws when state and federal laws conflict, which, although connected to the larger themes of judicial review and constitutional interpretation, is not what was directly established by this case.