The Marbury V. Madison Case

In the early years of the nineteenth century, the United States of America was still adapting to its government. The powers of the government, just like the Union, were still developing. Because of the Constitution, the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches exist, providing their corresponding powers. However, the existence of some of these powers was caused by significant events, such as the Marbury v. Madison case – which paved way for the establishment of the Judicial Review. John Marshall – during his time as Chief Justice – helped establish the judicial branch as the final authority on the actions of the executive and legislative branches.
John Marshall was born on September 24, 1755 in Germantown, a rural community on the Virginia …show more content…
Thomas Marshall worked as a surveyor and land agent for Lord Fairfax. Although the supply of books was relatively scarce during that time, they were still available to John. Lord Fairfax allowed access to his library, which was an exceptional center of learning and culture. His love of poetry and literature was evidently seen later in his life. In 1767, Thomas arranged for a minister, Reverend James Thomson, to double as a teacher for the local children. He lived with the Marshall family so he tutored the Marshall children in Latin in return for his room and board. In 1772, John was sent to the Academy of Reverend Archibald Campbell – about one hundred miles away from home – because there were no formal schools in Fauquier County at that time. He remained at the academy for one year and was brought home afterward. It was already long decided that John was going to be a lawyer. In 1780, he went to College of William and Mary to study law under George Wythe. In the same year, he was admitted to the Virginia bar and started his own legal practice. He became the “most sought-after attorney in Virginia.” He was anti-slavery and even sponsored a law in the Virginia Assembly that made selling free blacks into slavery a