Political Science – Case Briefs
Case Brief 1: Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Facts: William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of
mandamus after being denied his judicial commission.
Issue: Does the Supreme Court have the authority to order delivery of
commissions?
Holding: No, because the relevant statute was unconstitutional.
Reasoning: Established judicial review — the power of the courts to declare
laws unconstitutional.
Case Brief 2: United States v. Nixon (1974)
Facts: President Nixon resisted a subpoena for tapes related to the
Watergate scandal, citing executive privilege.
Issue: Can the President use executive privilege to withhold information in
a criminal trial?
Holding: No.
Reasoning: The Court ruled that executive privilege is not absolute and
must be balanced against the needs of the judicial process.
Case Brief 1: Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Facts: William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of
mandamus after being denied his judicial commission.
Issue: Does the Supreme Court have the authority to order delivery of
commissions?
Holding: No, because the relevant statute was unconstitutional.
Reasoning: Established judicial review — the power of the courts to declare
laws unconstitutional.
Case Brief 2: United States v. Nixon (1974)
Facts: President Nixon resisted a subpoena for tapes related to the
Watergate scandal, citing executive privilege.
Issue: Can the President use executive privilege to withhold information in
a criminal trial?
Holding: No.
Reasoning: The Court ruled that executive privilege is not absolute and
must be balanced against the needs of the judicial process.
