Plaintiff and Defendant William Marbury: Plaintiff
James Madison: Defendant

Facts:
William Marbury (plaintiff) was appointed Justice of the Peace of the District of Columbia by President John Adams. When Thomas Jefferson, he refused to fully finalize Adams’ appointees. Mr. Marbury then brought an action in the United States Supreme Court against Mr. Madison (defendant). He was seeking a writ of mandamus to compel him to finalize Mr. Marbury’s political appointment.
Lower Court
Mr. Marbury contends that the Court had the jurisdiction to rule on such a matter; Mr. Madison violated federal statutory and constitutional rules by withholding the commission; and that the mandamus was an appropriate remedy.
Issue Appealed
Marbury asked the Supreme