What legal principle was established by the case of Marbury v. Madison?

The case of Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. This landmark decision, made in 1803, empowered the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government and set a precedent for the role of the courts in American governance.

Judicial review ensures that any law or executive action that conflicts with the Constitution can be declared invalid. This principle is fundamental to maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights, as it provides a mechanism through which the judiciary can check the powers of the other branches of government. By asserting this power, the Supreme Court reinforced its role in upholding the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.