Marbury v. Madison: The Case That Defined the Balance of Power Between the Branches of the U.S. Government

This 223-year-old newspaper reports on the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration of the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, the decision that established the Court’s authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.

Decided on February 24, 1803, in a unanimous 4–0 ruling written by Chief Justice John Marshall, Marbury laid the foundation for the principle of judicial review — affirming that the Constitution is binding law and that it is the duty of the judiciary to interpret it.

Widely regarded as the most important decision in American constitutional history, the ruling helped define the constitutional boundaries between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, permanently shaping the balance of power within the federal government.

Hit the Full Record below to see this issue of the Boston Gazette published on February 24, 1803.