The landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the practice of judicial review. William Marbury, to whom President Adams had given a judicial appointment near the end of his term, sued to have the Jefferson administration deliver the commission. Marshall wrote the unanimous opinion finding that, while Marbury was entitled to his commission, the Court could not deliver it because the section of the Judiciary Act of 1789 permitting the Court to issue writs was inconsistent with the Constitution. Thus the Supreme Court...