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September 24, 1789
The Judiciary Act of 1789 was signed into law by George Washington. The law established a 3- part judiciary, district courts, circuit courts, and Supreme courts. Section 13 of the Act is called writ of mandmus, or the power to order the federal government to do actions -
January 27, 1801
John Marshall becomes John Adam's Secretary of State -
February 13, 1801
John Adams signs the Judiciary Act of 1801 into law, the act recognizes the federal judiciary and establishes the first circuit judgeships in the country. -
February 17, 1801
Thomas Jefferson wins the U.S presidential election of 1800. -
February 27, 1801
Congress passes the Organic Act for the District of Columbia. -
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March 2–3, 1801
The District of Columbia consists of two counties, Washington, and Alexandria. On March 2, John Adam nominates 23 justices of the peace in Washington county and 19 in Alexandria county. Senate then confirms these appointments on March 3. -
March 4, 1801
Jefferson takes office and discovers the signed, sealed, but as yet undelivered commissions. He tells James Madison to not send the letters -
December 1801
William Marbury, one of the people who didn't receive a letter (to become a judge). Goes to the supreme court, asking to issue a writ of mandamus to force Madison to deliver the commission. -
February 24, 1803
The supreme court denies Marbury's request to issue a writ of mandamus. The supreme court declares it unconstitutional, which makes the writ of mandamus invalid. This ruling give the judicial branch an important power called judicial review.