Which specific act of Congress was partially struck down by the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: The Judiciary Act of 1789
The Court ruled that Section 13 of the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional. This section attempted to grant the Supreme Court the power to issue writs of mandamus in cases of original jurisdiction, which the Court found conflicted with Article III of the Constitution.
Keep practicing
More Marbury v. Madison questions
- What is the definition of 'Judicial Review' as established by the Marshall Court?
- Why did James Madison, as Secretary of State, refuse to deliver William Marbury's commission?
- Which article of the U.S. Constitution did John Marshall cite to argue that the Constitution is superior to ordinary acts of Congress?
- What was the Supreme Court's final ruling regarding William Marbury's right to his commission?
- Which legal principle suggests that it is 'emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is'?
- Marbury v. Madison is often cited as a critical example of which constitutional concept in action?