In Marbury v. Madison, which year marks the decision that asserted the Supreme Court's power of judicial review?

• A. 1776
• B. 1803
• C. 1787
• D. 1819

Answer: (B)

Marbury v. Madison is the case that established the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review. The decision, issued in 1803 and written by Chief Justice John Marshall, held that the Constitution is the supreme law and that it is the judiciary’s duty to interpret laws in light of that Constitution. The Court struck down a provision of the Judiciary Act of 1789 that had broadened the Court’s original jurisdiction, ruling that this expansion was unconstitutional. By asserting that courts can review federal laws and strike them down if they conflict with the Constitution, the decision firmly established judicial review. The year 1803 is when this landmark ruling was issued.