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Today in History: Supreme Court establishes judicial review in Marbury v. Madison

2/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 24, 1803, the Supreme Court of the United States, in Marbury v. Madison, declared an act of Congress unconstitutional for the first time. This landmark decision established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution, thereby shaping the balance of power in the U.S. government.

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Story summary

On February 24, 1803, the Supreme Court of the United States, in Marbury v. Madison, declared an act of Congress unconstitutional for the first time. This landmark decision established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution, thereby shaping the balance of power in the U.S. government.