What landmark case established the principle of judicial review in the United States?

The landmark case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States is Marbury v. Madison. This case, decided in 1803, was significant because it asserted the Supreme Court's authority to review acts of Congress and determine their constitutionality. This function allows the judiciary to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution, thus ensuring that no law or governmental action can supersede the foundational legal document of the nation.

The decision arose from a political dispute during the transition between the Adams and Jefferson administrations, where William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace. Chief Justice John Marshall's ruling not only resolved Marbury's case but also laid the groundwork for the judiciary's role as a check on the legislative and executive branches. This principle of judicial review remains a cornerstone of the U.S. legal system, affirming the judiciary's power to interpret the Constitution and evaluate the legality of government actions.