What significant role did Marbury vs. Madison establish?

The case of Marbury vs. Madison, decided in 1803, is significant because it established the Supreme Court's power of judicial review. This power enables the Court to determine the constitutionality of laws and actions taken by the federal and state governments. The ruling affirmed that the judiciary has the authority to review acts of Congress and the President, ensuring that no law or government action can supersede the Constitution.

In Marbury vs. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall articulated that it is "emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is." This established a critical check on the powers of the other branches of government, reinforcing the separation of powers that is fundamental to the U.S. Constitution. By asserting the right to overturn laws that violate the Constitution, the decision solidified the role of the Supreme Court as an equal branch of government, with significant influence over the interpretation of law and governance in the United States.