Which landmark case established the principle of judicial review?

The landmark case that established the principle of judicial review is Marbury v. Madison. In this 1803 decision, the Supreme Court, under Chief Justice John Marshall, asserted its authority to review acts of Congress and determine whether they are consistent with the Constitution. This case arose when William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace.

The significance of this ruling lies in its establishment of the judiciary as an equal branch of government, demonstrating that it has the power to nullify laws and executive actions that contravene the Constitution. This set a precedent that empowered the Supreme Court to check the other branches of government, ensuring that legislative and executive actions remained within the bounds of the Constitution. The principle of judicial review is a cornerstone of American constitutional law, shaping the role of the judiciary in protecting civil rights and upholding the rule of law.