What power did the Supreme Court establish through its ruling on the Judiciary Act of 1789?

The Supreme Court established the power of judicial review through its ruling on the Judiciary Act of 1789. This landmark principle allows the Court to evaluate the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and actions taken by the executive branch. In essence, judicial review gives the judiciary the authority to interpret the Constitution, ensuring that no law or government action can supersede constitutional rights.

This concept was formally articulated in the case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803, where Chief Justice John Marshall asserted that it is the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. By asserting this power, the Supreme Court positioned itself as a key player in the checks and balances of government, acting as a safeguard against potential abuses of power by the legislature and the executive. Understanding judicial review is crucial as it highlights the role of the judiciary in maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights against governmental overreach.