What principle does the case of Marbury v. Madison reinforce?

The case of Marbury v. Madison, decided in 1803, is significant because it established the principle of judicial review. This principle allows the Supreme Court and other courts to review the actions of the legislative and executive branches to determine whether they are constitutional. The ruling emphasized that it is the duty of the judicial system to uphold the Constitution and to invalidate any government action that conflicts with it.

This landmark decision clarified the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government, ensuring that the rights of individuals were protected against potential abuses by the other branches. Judicial review has since become a fundamental aspect of the American legal system, allowing the courts to act as a check on the powers of the other branches of government, hence reinforcing the balance of power within the federal government.