Judicial review.
Definition
The power of the federal courts, especially the Supreme Court, to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional. This power was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803) and serves as a critical check on the legislative and executive branches.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Marbury v. Madison (1803) establishing the precedent of judicial review
- 2 The Supreme Court striking down the National Industrial Recovery Act in 1935
- 3 Brown v. Board of Education (1954) overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine
Key Fact
Established by Chief Justice John Marshall in Marbury v. Madison (1803).