What landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?

The landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review is Marbury v. Madison. This case, decided in 1803, was a foundational moment in U.S. legal history as it affirmed the power of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional.

Judicial review allows the judiciary to review and potentially invalidate laws and actions by the legislative and executive branches that are inconsistent with the Constitution. The significance of Marbury v. Madison lies in Chief Justice John Marshall's ruling, which asserted that it is the duty of the judicial branch to uphold the Constitution and that any law conflicting with the Constitution is void. This decision effectively positioned the Supreme Court as a co-equal branch of government, with a vital role in maintaining the checks and balances essential to the U.S. system of government.

Understanding this case is crucial because it laid the groundwork for the judiciary's role in protecting civil rights and liberties by having the authority to interpret the Constitution. The other cases listed, while important in their respective contexts, do not pertain to the establishment of judicial review.