Supreme Court Explorer
Marbury v. Madison
5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137
Holding / constitutional rule
Established the Supreme Court’s authority to decline enforcement of federal legislation that conflicts with the Constitution.
Why it matters
A foundational judicial-review decision and a central part of the constitutional system of separated powers.
Connected Research
Government research source
Constitution Annotated / CRS search →
The holding and significance above are concise editorial summaries, not quotations from the opinion. Follow the government source to review constitutional analysis and underlying case authorities.