Judicial Review
One meaning of judicial review is the power of a court to review a law for constitutionality and strike down that law if it believes the law to be unconstitutional. This is another example of checks and balances, in that the judicial branch is able to prevent unconstitutional laws from passing.
Examples Today:
In 1792, the circuit courts found an act of Congress related to military veterans unconstitutional. Congress rewrote the law in 1793, without any hubbub. Later, in 1794, the Supreme Court actually had to fight for its power to review in the case of Hylton v. United States.
One of the most famous cases of judicial review was Marbury v. Madison, in 1803. Chief Justice John Marshall declared Section 13 of the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional. It was the first time the Supreme Court overturned federal legislation (whoa). It brought the judicial branch to a greater position of power, finally equaling the other two branches (pretty great origins story, if I may say so).
Examples Today:
In 1792, the circuit courts found an act of Congress related to military veterans unconstitutional. Congress rewrote the law in 1793, without any hubbub. Later, in 1794, the Supreme Court actually had to fight for its power to review in the case of Hylton v. United States.
One of the most famous cases of judicial review was Marbury v. Madison, in 1803. Chief Justice John Marshall declared Section 13 of the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional. It was the first time the Supreme Court overturned federal legislation (whoa). It brought the judicial branch to a greater position of power, finally equaling the other two branches (pretty great origins story, if I may say so).