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Marbury Vs Madison Case Summary

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Case: Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803)
Action Sought: Writ of Mandamus
Facts of the Case: William Marbury was appointed by the outgoing president, John Adams, to the position of Justice of the Peace of the District of Columbia. His commission was signed by the then president and the seal affixed by the Secretary of State at that time, John Marshall, however was not delivered prior to Thomas Jefferson becoming President. President Jefferson instructed his Secretary of State, James Madison, to not deliver the commission thereby resulting in Marbury petitioning the Supreme Court, as set forth in the conditions of the Judiciary Act of 1789, to issue a Writ of Mandamus to compel Madison to act.
Issues: 1. Does Marbury have the right …show more content…
If the law does provide him with a remedy, would the proper remedy be the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus from the Supreme Court?
Holding: Marbury has the right to commission and the law provides him with the remedy of the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, however the Supreme Court does not have original jurisdiction and Marbury must first present this case to the lower courts.
Reasoning: (Chief Justice Marshall)
1. Does Marbury have the right to commission?
Since his commission was signed by the President at the time of his commission, President John Adams, and sealed by the Secretary of State, Marbury was duly appointed despite delivery of the said commission not occurring.
2. If he does, and his right has been violated, does the law provide him with a remedy?
By his obstinate failure to deliver the commission, the law had been violated and legal right denied. Having a right to office and this right being denied in the refusal to deliver the commission, Marbury is protected by the law and thereby has the right and vested interest to seek remedy and a Writ of Mandamus would be an appropriate remedy.
3. If the law does provide him with a remedy, would the proper remedy be the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus from the Supreme

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