The case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803 was a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. It arose when William Marbury sued James Madison, the Secretary of State, for failing to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace. The Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that while Marbury had a right to his commission, the Court did not have the authority to issue a writ of mandamus to compel Madison to act. This case established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws or actions by the executive and legislative branches unconstitutional. This power significantly strengthened the role of the judiciary in the American government, ensuring that no law could supersede the Constitution.