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Marburyv.Madison
5U.S.137(1803)
Syllabus|Case

U.S.SupremeCourt
Marburyv.Madison,5U.S.1Cranch137137
(1803)
Marburyv.Madison
5U.S.(1Cranch)137
Syllabus
TheclerksoftheDepartmentofStateoftheUnitedStatesmaybecalledupontogive
evidenceoftransactionsintheDepartmentwhicharenotofaconfidentialcharacter.
TheSecretaryofStatecannotbecalleduponasawitnesstostatetransactionsofa
confidentialnaturewhichmayhaveoccurredinhisDepartment.Buthemaybecalled
upontogivetestimonyofcircumstanceswhichwerenotofthatcharacter.
ClerksintheDepartmentofStateweredirectedtobesworn,subjecttoobjectionsto
questionsuponconfidentialmatters.
SomepointoftimemustbetakenwhenthepoweroftheExecutiveoveranofficer,not
removableathiswill,mustcease.Thatpointoftimemustbewhentheconstitutional
powerofappointmenthasbeenexercised.Andthepowerhasbeenexercisedwhenthe
lastactrequiredfromthepersonpossessingthepowerhasbeenperformed.Thislastact
isthesignatureofthecommission.

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Iftheactofliverybenecessarytogivevaliditytothecommissionofanofficer,ithas
beendeliveredwhenexecuted,andgiventotheSecretaryofStateforthepurposeof
beingsealed,recorded,andtransmittedtotheparty.
Incasesofcommissionstopublicofficers,thelaworderstheSecretaryofStatetorecord
them.When,therefore,theyaresignedandsealed,theorderfortheirbeingrecordedis
given,and,whetherinsertedinsertedintothebookornot,theyarerecorded.
WhentheheadsofthedepartmentsoftheGovernmentarethepoliticalorconfidential
officersoftheExecutive,merelytoexecutethewillofthePresident,orrathertoactin
casesinwhichtheExecutivepossessesaconstitutionalorlegaldiscretion,nothingcan
bemoreperfectlyclearthanthattheiractsareonlypoliticallyexaminable.Butwherea
specificdutyisassignedbylaw,andindividualrightsdependupontheperformanceof
thatduty,itseemsequallyclearthattheindividualwhoconsidershimselfinjuredhasa
righttoresorttothelawsofhiscountryforaremedy.
ThePresidentoftheUnitedStates,bysigningthecommission,appointedMr.Marbury
ajusticeofthepeacefortheCountyofWashington,intheDistrictofColumbia,andthe
sealoftheUnitedStates,affixedtheretobytheSecretaryofState,isconclusive
testimonyoftheverityofthesignature,andofthecompletionoftheappointmentand
theappointmentconferredonhimalegalrighttotheofficeforthespaceoffiveyears.
Havingthislegalrighttotheoffice,hehasaconsequentrighttothecommission,a
refusaltodeliverwhichisaplainviolationofthatrightforwhichthelawsofthecountry
affordhimaremedy.
Torenderamandamusaproperremedy,theofficertowhomitisdirectedmustbeone
towhom,onlegalprinciples,suchwritmustbedirected,andthepersonapplyingforit
mustbewithoutanyotherspecificremedy.
Whereacommissiontoapublicofficerhasbeenmadeout,signed,andsealed,andis
withheldfromthepersonentitledtoit,anactionofdetinueforthecommissionagainst
theSecretaryofStatewhorefusestodeliveritisnottheproperremedy,asthejudgment
indetinueisforthethingitself,oritsvalue.Thevalueofapublicoffice,nottobesold,is
incapableofbeingascertained.Itisaplaincaseforamandamus,eithertodeliverthe
commissionoracopyofitfromtherecord.
ToenabletheCourttoissueamandamustocompelthedeliveryofthecommissionofa
publicofficebytheSecretaryofState,itmustbeshownthatitisanexerciseofappellate

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jurisdiction,orthatitbenecessarytoenablethemtoexerciseappellatejurisdiction.
Itistheessentialcriterionofappellatejurisdictionthatitrevisesandcorrectsthe
proceedingsinacausealreadyinstituted,anddoesnotcreatethecause.
TheauthoritygiventotheSupremeCourtbytheactestablishingthejudicialsystemof
theUnitedStatestoissuewritsofmandamustopublicofficersappearsnottobe
warrantedbytheConstitution.
ItisemphaticallythedutyoftheJudicialDepartmenttosaywhatthelawis.Thosewho
applytheruletoparticularcasesmust,ofnecessity,expoundandinterprettherule.If
twolawsconflictwitheachother,theCourtmustdecideontheoperationofeach.
IfcourtsaretoregardtheConstitution,andtheConstitutionissuperiortoanyordinary
actofthelegislature,theConstitution,andnotsuchordinaryact,mustgovernthecase
towhichtheybothapply.
AttheDecemberTerm,1801,WilliamMarbury,DennisRamsay,RobertTownsend
Hooe,andWilliamHarper,bytheircounsel,
Page5U.S.138
severallymovedthecourtforaruletoJamesMadison,SecretaryofStateoftheUnited
States,toshowcausewhyamandamusshouldnotissuecommandinghimtocauseto
bedeliveredtothemrespectivelytheirseveralcommissionsasjusticesofthepeacein
theDistrictofColumbia.Thismotionwassupportedbyaffidavitsofthefollowingfacts:
thatnoticeofthismotionhadbeengiventoMr.MadisonthatMr.Adams,thelate
PresidentoftheUnitedStates,nominatedtheapplicantstotheSenatefortheiradvice
andconsenttobeappointedjusticesofthepeaceoftheDistrictofColumbiathatthe
Senateadvisedandconsentedtotheappointmentsthatcommissionsindueformwere
signedbythesaidPresidentappointingthemjustices,&c.,andthatthesealofthe
UnitedStateswasindueformaffixedtothesaidcommissionsbytheSecretaryofState
thattheapplicantshaverequestedMr.Madisontodeliverthemtheirsaidcommissions,
whohasnotcompliedwiththatrequestandthattheirsaidcommissionsarewithheld
fromthemthattheapplicantshavemadeapplicationtoMr.MadisonasSecretaryof
StateoftheUnitedStatesathisoffice,forinformationwhetherthecommissionswere
signedandsealedasaforesaidthatexplicitandsatisfactoryinformationhasnotbeen
giveninanswertothatinquiry,eitherbytheSecretaryofStateoranyofficerinthe
DepartmentofStatethatapplicationhasbeenmadetothesecretaryoftheSenatefora

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certificateofthenominationoftheapplicants,andoftheadviceandconsentofthe
Senate,whohasdeclinedgivingsuchacertificatewhereuponarulewasmadetoshow
causeonthefourthdayofthisterm.Thisrulehavingbeendulyserved,
Page5U.S.139
Mr.JacobWagnerandMr.DanielBrent,whohadbeensummonedtoattendthecourt
andwererequiredtogiveevidence,objectedtobesworn,allegingthattheywereclerks
intheDepartmentofState,andnotboundtodiscloseanyfactsrelatingtothebusiness
ortransactionsoftheoffice.
Thecourtorderedthewitnessestobesworn,andtheiranswerstakeninwriting,but
informedthemthat,whenthequestionswereasked,theymightstatetheirobjectionsto
answeringeachparticularquestion,iftheyhadany.
Mr.Lincoln,whohadbeentheactingSecretaryofState,whenthecircumstancesstated
intheaffidavitsoccurred,wascalledupontogivetestimony.Heobjectedtoanswering.
Thequestionswereputinwriting.
Thecourtsaidtherewasnothingconfidentialrequiredtobedisclosed.Iftherehad
been,hewasnotobligedtoanswerit,andifhethoughtanythingwascommunicatedto
himconfidentially,hewasnotboundtodisclose,norwasheobligedtostateanything
whichwouldcriminatehimself.
Thequestionsarguedbythecounselfortherelatorswere,1.WhethertheSupreme
Courtcanawardthewritofmandamusinanycase.2.WhetheritwilllietoaSecretary
ofState,inanycasewhatever.3.Whether,inthepresentcase,theCourtmayawarda
mandamustoJamesMadison,SecretaryofState.
Page5U.S.153
Mr.ChiefJusticeMARSHALLdeliveredtheopinionoftheCourt.
Atthelastterm,ontheaffidavitsthenreadandfiledwiththeclerk,arulewasgranted
inthiscaserequiringtheSecretaryofStatetoshowcausewhyamandamus
Page5U.S.154
shouldnotissuedirectinghimtodelivertoWilliamMarburyhiscommissionasajustice
ofthepeaceforthecountyofWashington,intheDistrictofColumbia.

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Nocausehasbeenshown,andthepresentmotionisforamandamus.Thepeculiar
delicacyofthiscase,thenoveltyofsomeofitscircumstances,andtherealdifficulty
attendingthepointswhichoccurinitrequireacompleteexpositionoftheprincipleson
whichtheopiniontobegivenbytheCourtisfounded.
Theseprincipleshavebeen,onthesideoftheapplicant,veryablyarguedatthebar.In
renderingtheopinionoftheCourt,therewillbesomedepartureinform,thoughnotin
substance,fromthepointsstatedinthatargument.
IntheorderinwhichtheCourthasviewedthissubject,thefollowingquestionshave
beenconsideredanddecided.
1.Hastheapplicantarighttothecommissionhedemands?
2.Ifhehasaright,andthatrighthasbeenviolated,dothelawsofhiscountryafford
himaremedy?
3.Iftheydoaffordhimaremedy,isitamandamusissuingfromthiscourt?
Thefirstobjectofinquiryis:
1.Hastheapplicantarighttothecommissionhedemands?
HisrightoriginatesinanactofCongresspassedinFebruary,1801,concerningthe
DistrictofColumbia.
Afterdividingthedistrictintotwocounties,theeleventhsectionofthislawenacts,
"thatthereshallbeappointedinandforeachofthesaidcountiessuchnumberof
discreetpersonstobejusticesofthepeaceasthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesshall,
fromtimetotime,thinkexpedient,tocontinueinofficeforfiveyears."
Page5U.S.155
Itappearsfromtheaffidavitsthat,incompliancewiththislaw,acommissionfor
WilliamMarburyasajusticeofpeacefortheCountyofWashingtonwassignedbyJohn
Adams,thenPresidentoftheUnitedStates,afterwhichthesealoftheUnitedStateswas
affixedtoit,butthecommissionhasneverreachedthepersonforwhomitwasmade
out.

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Inordertodeterminewhetherheisentitledtothiscommission,itbecomesnecessaryto
inquirewhetherhehasbeenappointedtotheoffice.Forifhehasbeenappointed,the
lawcontinueshiminofficeforfiveyears,andheisentitledtothepossessionofthose
evidencesofoffice,which,beingcompleted,becamehisproperty.
ThesecondsectionofthesecondarticleoftheConstitutiondeclares,
"ThePresidentshallnominate,and,byandwiththeadviceandconsentoftheSenate,
shallappointambassadors,otherpublicministersandconsuls,andallotherofficersof
theUnitedStates,whoseappointmentsarenototherwiseprovidedfor."
Thethirdsectiondeclares,that"HeshallcommissionalltheofficersoftheUnited
States."
AnactofCongressdirectstheSecretaryofStatetokeepthesealoftheUnitedStates,
"tomakeoutandrecord,andaffixthesaidsealtoallcivilcommissionstoofficersofthe
UnitedStatestobeappointedbythePresident,byandwiththeconsentoftheSenate,or
bythePresidentaloneprovidedthatthesaidsealshallnotbeaffixedtoany
commissionbeforethesameshallhavebeensignedbythePresidentoftheUnited
States."
ThesearetheclausesoftheConstitutionandlawsoftheUnitedStateswhichaffectthis
partofthecase.Theyseemtocontemplatethreedistinctoperations:
1.Thenomination.ThisisthesoleactofthePresident,andiscompletelyvoluntary.
2.Theappointment.ThisisalsotheactofthePresident,andisalsoavoluntaryact,
thoughitcanonlybeperformedbyandwiththeadviceandconsentoftheSenate.
Page5U.S.156
3.Thecommission.Tograntacommissiontoapersonappointedmightperhapsbe
deemedadutyenjoinedbytheConstitution."Heshall,"saysthatinstrument,
"commissionalltheofficersoftheUnitedStates."
Theactsofappointingtoofficeandcommissioningthepersonappointedcanscarcely
beconsideredasoneandthesame,sincethepowertoperformthemisgivenintwo
separateanddistinctsectionsoftheConstitution.Thedistinctionbetweenthe
appointmentandthecommissionwillberenderedmoreapparentbyadvertingtothat

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provisioninthesecondsectionofthesecondarticleoftheConstitutionwhich
authorisesCongress
"tovestbylawtheappointmentofsuchinferiorofficersastheythinkproperinthe
Presidentalone,intheCourtsoflaw,orintheheadsofdepartments"
thuscontemplatingcaseswherethelawmaydirectthePresidenttocommissionan
officerappointedbytheCourtsorbytheheadsofdepartments.Insuchacase,toissuea
commissionwouldbeapparentlyadutydistinctfromtheappointment,theperformance
ofwhichperhapscouldnotlegallyberefused.
AlthoughthatclauseoftheConstitutionwhichrequiresthePresidenttocommissionall
theofficersoftheUnitedStatesmayneverhavebeenappliedtoofficersappointed
otherwisethanbyhimself,yetitwouldbedifficulttodenythelegislativepowertoapply
ittosuchcases.Ofconsequence,theconstitutionaldistinctionbetweentheappointment
toanofficeandthecommissionofanofficerwhohasbeenappointedremainsthesame
asifinpracticethePresidenthadcommissionedofficersappointedbyanauthority
otherthanhisown.
Itfollowstoofromtheexistenceofthisdistinctionthat,ifanappointmentwastobe
evidencedbyanypublicactotherthanthecommission,theperformanceofsuchpublic
actwouldcreatetheofficer,andifhewasnotremovableatthewillofthePresident,
wouldeithergivehimarighttohiscommissionorenablehimtoperformtheduties
withoutit.
Theseobservationsarepremisedsolelyforthepurposeofrenderingmoreintelligible
thosewhichapplymoredirectlytotheparticularcaseunderconsideration.
Page5U.S.157
ThisisanappointmentmadebythePresident,byandwiththeadviceandconsentof
theSenate,andisevidencedbynoactbutthecommissionitself.Insuchacase,
therefore,thecommissionandtheappointmentseeminseparable,itbeingalmost
impossibletoshowanappointmentotherwisethanbyprovingtheexistenceofa
commissionstill,thecommissionisnotnecessarilytheappointmentthough
conclusiveevidenceofit.
Butatwhatstagedoesitamounttothisconclusiveevidence?

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Theanswertothisquestionseemsanobviousone.Theappointment,beingthesoleact
ofthePresident,mustbecompletelyevidencedwhenitisshownthathehasdone
everythingtobeperformedbyhim.
Shouldthecommission,insteadofbeingevidenceofanappointment,evenbe
consideredasconstitutingtheappointmentitself,stillitwouldbemadewhenthelast
acttobedonebythePresidentwasperformed,or,atfurthest,whenthecommission
wascomplete.
ThelastacttobedonebythePresidentisthesignatureofthecommission.Hehasthen
actedontheadviceandconsentoftheSenatetohisownnomination.Thetimefor
deliberationhasthenpassed.Hehasdecided.Hisjudgment,ontheadviceandconsent
oftheSenateconcurringwithhisnomination,hasbeenmade,andtheofficeris
appointed.Thisappointmentisevidencedbyanopen,unequivocalact,and,beingthe
lastactrequiredfromthepersonmakingit,necessarilyexcludestheideaofitsbeing,so
farasitrespectstheappointment,aninchoateandincompletetransaction.
SomepointoftimemustbetakenwhenthepoweroftheExecutiveoveranofficer,not
removableathiswill,mustcease.Thatpointoftimemustbewhentheconstitutional
powerofappointmenthasbeenexercised.Andthispowerhasbeenexercisedwhenthe
lastactrequiredfromthepersonpossessingthepowerhasbeenperformed.Thislastact
isthesignatureofthecommission.Thisideaseemstohaveprevailedwiththe
LegislaturewhentheactpassedconvertingtheDepartment
Page5U.S.158
ofForeignAffairsintotheDepartmentofState.Bythatact,itisenactedthatthe
SecretaryofStateshallkeepthesealoftheUnitedStates,
"andshallmakeoutandrecord,andshallaffixthesaidsealtoallcivilcommissionsto
officersoftheUnitedStates,tobeappointedbythePresident:...providedthatthesaid
sealshallnotbeaffixedtoanycommissionbeforethesameshallhavebeensignedby
thePresidentoftheUnitedStates,nortoanyotherinstrumentoractwithoutthespecial
warrantofthePresidenttherefor."
Thesignatureisawarrantforaffixingthegreatsealtothecommission,andthegreat
sealisonlytobeaffixedtoaninstrumentwhichiscomplete.Itattests,byanact
supposedtobeofpublicnotoriety,theverityofthePresidentialsignature.

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Itisnevertobeaffixedtillthecommissionissigned,becausethesignature,whichgives
forceandeffecttothecommission,isconclusiveevidencethattheappointmentismade.
Thecommissionbeingsigned,thesubsequentdutyoftheSecretaryofStateis
prescribedbylaw,andnottobeguidedbythewillofthePresident.Heistoaffixthe
sealoftheUnitedStatestothecommission,andistorecordit.
ThisisnotaproceedingwhichmaybevariedifthejudgmentoftheExecutiveshall
suggestonemoreeligible,butisaprecisecourseaccuratelymarkedoutbylaw,andisto
bestrictlypursued.ItisthedutyoftheSecretaryofStatetoconformtothelaw,andin
thisheisanofficeroftheUnitedStates,boundtoobeythelaws.Heacts,inthisrespect,
ashasbeenveryproperlystatedatthebar,undertheauthorityoflaw,andnotbythe
instructionsofthePresident.Itisaministerialactwhichthelawenjoinsonaparticular
officerforaparticularpurpose.
Ifitshouldbesupposedthatthesolemnityofaffixingthesealisnecessarynotonlyto
thevalidityofthecommission,buteventothecompletionofanappointment,still,
whenthesealisaffixed,theappointmentismade,and
Page5U.S.159
thecommissionisvalid.Noothersolemnityisrequiredbylawnootheractistobe
performedonthepartofgovernment.AllthattheExecutivecandotoinvesttheperson
withhisofficeisdone,andunlesstheappointmentbethenmade,theExecutivecannot
makeonewithoutthecooperationofothers.
Aftersearchinganxiouslyfortheprinciplesonwhichacontraryopinionmaybe
supported,nonehasbeenfoundwhichappearofsufficientforcetomaintainthe
oppositedoctrine.
SuchastheimaginationoftheCourtcouldsuggesthavebeenverydeliberately
examined,andafterallowingthemalltheweightwhichitappearspossibletogivethem,
theydonotshaketheopinionwhichhasbeenformed.
Inconsideringthisquestion,ithasbeenconjecturedthatthecommissionmayhave
beenassimilatedtoadeedtothevalidityofwhichdeliveryisessential.
Thisideaisfoundedonthesuppositionthatthecommissionisnotmerelyevidenceof
anappointment,butisitselftheactualappointmentasuppositionbynomeans

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unquestionable.But,forthepurposeofexaminingthisobjectionfairly,letitbe
concededthattheprincipleclaimedforitssupportisestablished.
Theappointmentbeing,undertheConstitution,tobemadebythePresidentpersonally,
thedeliveryofthedeedofappointment,ifnecessarytoitscompletion,mustbemadeby
thePresidentalso.Itisnotnecessarythattheliveryshouldbemadepersonallytothe
granteeoftheofficeitneverissomade.Thelawwouldseemtocontemplatethatit
shouldbemadetotheSecretaryofState,sinceitdirectsthesecretarytoaffixthesealto
thecommissionafteritshallhavebeensignedbythePresident.Ifthentheactoflivery
benecessarytogivevaliditytothecommission,ithasbeendeliveredwhenexecutedand
giventotheSecretaryforthepurposeofbeingsealed,recorded,andtransmittedtothe
party.
Butinallcasesofletterspatent,certainsolemnitiesarerequiredbylaw,which
solemnitiesaretheevidences
Page5U.S.160
ofthevalidityoftheinstrument.Aformaldeliverytothepersonisnotamongthem.In
casesofcommissions,thesignmanualofthePresidentandthesealoftheUnitedStates
arethosesolemnities.Thisobjectionthereforedoesnottouchthecase.
Ithasalsooccurredaspossible,andbarelypossible,thatthetransmissionofthe
commissionandtheacceptancethereofmightbedeemednecessarytocompletethe
rightoftheplaintiff.
Thetransmissionofthecommissionisapracticedirectedbyconvenience,butnotby
law.Itcannotthereforebenecessarytoconstitutetheappointment,whichmustprecede
itandwhichisthemereactofthePresident.IftheExecutiverequiredthateveryperson
appointedtoanofficeshouldhimselftakemeanstoprocurehiscommission,the
appointmentwouldnotbethelessvalidonthataccount.Theappointmentisthesole
actofthePresidentthetransmissionofthecommissionisthesoleactoftheofficerto
whomthatdutyisassigned,andmaybeacceleratedorretardedbycircumstanceswhich
canhavenoinfluenceontheappointment.Acommissionistransmittedtoaperson
alreadyappointed,nottoapersontobeappointedornot,astheletterenclosingthe
commissionshouldhappentogetintothepostofficeandreachhiminsafety,orto
miscarry.

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Itmayhavesometendencytoelucidatethispointtoinquirewhetherthepossessionof
theoriginalcommissionbeindispensablynecessarytoauthorizeapersonappointedto
anyofficetoperformthedutiesofthatoffice.Ifitwasnecessary,thenalossofthe
commissionwouldlosetheoffice.Notonlynegligence,butaccidentorfraud,fireor
theftmightdepriveanindividualofhisoffice.Insuchacase,Ipresumeitcouldnotbe
doubtedbutthatacopyfromtherecordoftheOfficeoftheSecretaryofStatewouldbe,
toeveryintentandpurpose,equaltotheoriginal.TheactofCongresshasexpressly
madeitso.Togivethatcopyvalidity,itwouldnotbenecessarytoprovethattheoriginal
hadbeentransmittedandafterwardslost.Thecopywouldbecompleteevidencethat
theoriginalhadexisted,andthattheappointmenthadbeenmade,butnotthatthe
originalhadbeentransmitted.Ifindeeditshouldappearthat
Page5U.S.161
theoriginalhadbeenmislaidintheOfficeofState,thatcircumstancewouldnotaffect
theoperationofthecopy.Whenalltherequisiteshavebeenperformedwhichauthorize
arecordingofficertorecordanyinstrumentwhatever,andtheorderforthatpurpose
hasbeengiven,theinstrumentisinlawconsideredasrecorded,althoughthemanual
labourofinsertingitinabookkeptforthatpurposemaynothavebeenperformed.
Inthecaseofcommissions,thelaworderstheSecretaryofStatetorecordthem.When,
therefore,theyaresignedandsealed,theorderfortheirbeingrecordedisgiven,and,
whetherinsertedinthebookornot,theyareinlawrecorded.
Acopyofthisrecordisdeclaredequaltotheoriginal,andthefeestobepaidbyaperson
requiringacopyareascertainedbylaw.Canakeeperofapublicrecorderasetherefrom
acommissionwhichhasbeenrecorded?Orcanherefuseacopythereoftoaperson
demandingitonthetermsprescribedbylaw?
Suchacopywould,equallywiththeoriginal,authorizethejusticeofpeacetoproceedin
theperformanceofhisduty,becauseitwould,equallywiththeoriginal,attesthis
appointment.
Ifthetransmissionofacommissionbenotconsideredasnecessarytogivevaliditytoan
appointment,stilllessisitsacceptance.TheappointmentisthesoleactofthePresident
theacceptanceisthesoleactoftheofficer,andis,inplaincommonsense,posteriorto
theappointment.Ashemayresign,somayherefusetoacceptbutneithertheonenor
theotheriscapableofrenderingtheappointmentanonentity.

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Thatthisistheunderstandingofthegovernmentisapparentfromthewholetenorofits
conduct.
Acommissionbearsdate,andthesalaryoftheofficercommencesfromhis
appointment,notfromthetransmissionoracceptanceofhiscommission.Whena
personappointedtoanyofficerefusestoacceptthatoffice,thesuccessorisnominated
intheplaceofthepersonwho
Page5U.S.162
hasdeclinedtoaccept,andnotintheplaceofthepersonwhohadbeenpreviouslyin
officeandhadcreatedtheoriginalvacancy.
ItisthereforedecidedlytheopinionoftheCourtthat,whenacommissionhasbeen
signedbythePresident,theappointmentismade,andthatthecommissioniscomplete
whenthesealoftheUnitedStateshasbeenaffixedtoitbytheSecretaryofState.
WhereanofficerisremovableatthewilloftheExecutive,thecircumstancewhich
completeshisappointmentisofnoconcern,becausetheactisatanytimerevocable,
andthecommissionmaybearrestedifstillintheoffice.Butwhentheofficerisnot
removableatthewilloftheExecutive,theappointmentisnotrevocable,andcannotbe
annulled.Ithasconferredlegalrightswhichcannotberesumed.
ThediscretionoftheExecutiveistobeexerciseduntiltheappointmenthasbeenmade.
Buthavingoncemadetheappointment,hispowerovertheofficeisterminatedinall
cases,wherebylawtheofficerisnotremovablebyhim.Therighttotheofficeisthenin
thepersonappointed,andhehastheabsolute,unconditionalpowerofacceptingor
rejectingit.
Mr.Marbury,then,sincehiscommissionwassignedbythePresidentandsealedbythe
SecretaryofState,wasappointed,andasthelawcreatingtheofficegavetheofficera
righttoholdforfiveyearsindependentoftheExecutive,theappointmentwasnot
revocable,butvestedintheofficerlegalrightswhichareprotectedbythelawsofhis
country.
Towithholdthecommission,therefore,isanactdeemedbytheCourtnotwarrantedby
law,butviolativeofavestedlegalright.
Thisbringsustothesecondinquiry,whichis:

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2.Ifhehasaright,andthatrighthasbeenviolated,dothelawsofhiscountryafford
himaremedy?
Page5U.S.163
Theveryessenceofcivillibertycertainlyconsistsintherightofeveryindividualtoclaim
theprotectionofthelawswheneverhereceivesaninjury.Oneofthefirstdutiesof
governmentistoaffordthatprotection.InGreatBritain,theKinghimselfissuedinthe
respectfulformofapetition,andheneverfailstocomplywiththejudgmentofhis
court.
InthethirdvolumeofhisCommentaries,page23,Blackstonestatestwocasesinwhich
aremedyisaffordedbymereoperationoflaw.
"Inallothercases,"hesays,
"itisageneralandindisputablerulethatwherethereisalegalright,thereisalsoalegal
remedybysuitoractionatlawwheneverthatrightisinvaded."
Andafterwards,page109ofthesamevolume,hesays,
"IamnexttoconsidersuchinjuriesasarecognizablebytheCourtsofcommonlaw.And
hereinIshallforthepresentonlyremarkthatallpossibleinjurieswhatsoeverthatdid
notfallwithintheexclusivecognizanceofeithertheecclesiastical,military,ormaritime
tribunalsare,forthatveryreason,withinthecognizanceofthecommonlawcourtsof
justice,foritisasettledandinvariableprincipleinthelawsofEnglandthateveryright,
whenwithheld,musthavearemedy,andeveryinjuryitsproperredress."
TheGovernmentoftheUnitedStateshasbeenemphaticallytermedagovernmentof
laws,andnotofmen.Itwillcertainlyceasetodeservethishighappellationifthelaws
furnishnoremedyfortheviolationofavestedlegalright.
Ifthisobloquyistobecastonthejurisprudenceofourcountry,itmustarisefromthe
peculiarcharacterofthecase.
Itbehoovesus,then,toinquirewhethertherebeinitscompositionanyingredient
whichshallexemptfromlegalinvestigationorexcludetheinjuredpartyfromlegal
redress.Inpursuingthisinquiry,thefirstquestionwhichpresentsitselfiswhetherthis
canbearranged

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Page5U.S.164
withthatclassofcaseswhichcomeunderthedescriptionofdamnumabsqueinjuria
alosswithoutaninjury.
Thisdescriptionofcasesneverhasbeenconsidered,and,itisbelieved,nevercanbe
considered,ascomprehendingofficesoftrust,ofhonourorofprofit.Theofficeof
justiceofpeaceintheDistrictofColumbiaissuchanofficeitisthereforeworthyofthe
attentionandguardianshipofthelaws.Ithasreceivedthatattentionandguardianship.
IthasbeencreatedbyspecialactofCongress,andhasbeensecured,sofarasthelaws
cangivesecuritytothepersonappointedtofillit,forfiveyears.Itisnotthenonaccount
oftheworthlessnessofthethingpursuedthattheinjuredpartycanbeallegedtobe
withoutremedy.
Isitinthenatureofthetransaction?Istheactofdeliveringorwithholdinga
commissiontobeconsideredasamerepoliticalactbelongingtotheExecutive
departmentalone,fortheperformanceofwhichentireconfidenceisplacedbyour
ConstitutionintheSupremeExecutive,andforanymisconductrespectingwhichthe
injuredindividualhasnoremedy?
Thattheremaybesuchcasesisnottobequestioned.butthateveryactofdutytobe
performedinanyofthegreatdepartmentsofgovernmentconstitutessuchacaseisnot
tobeadmitted.
Bytheactconcerninginvalids,passedinJune,1794,theSecretaryatWarisorderedto
placeonthepensionlistallpersonswhosenamesarecontainedinareportpreviously
madebyhimtoCongress.Ifheshouldrefusetodoso,wouldthewoundedveteranbe
withoutremedy?Isittobecontendedthatwherethelaw,inpreciseterms,directsthe
performanceofanactinwhichanindividualisinterested,thelawisincapableof
securingobediencetoitsmandate?Isitonaccountofthecharacteroftheperson
againstwhomthecomplaintismade?Isittobecontendedthattheheadsof
departmentsarenotamenabletothelawsoftheircountry?
Whateverthepracticeonparticularoccasionsmaybe,thetheoryofthisprinciplewill
certainlyneverbemaintained.
Page5U.S.165

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NoactoftheLegislatureconferssoextraordinaryaprivilege,norcanitderive
countenancefromthedoctrinesofthecommonlaw.Afterstatingthatpersonalinjury
fromtheKingtoasubjectispresumedtobeimpossible,Blackstone,Vol.III.p.255,
says,
"butinjuriestotherightsofpropertycanscarcelybecommittedbytheCrownwithout
theinterventionofitsofficers,forwhom,thelaw,inmattersofright,entertainsno
respectordelicacy,butfurnishesvariousmethodsofdetectingtheerrorsand
misconductofthoseagentsbywhomtheKinghasbeendeceivedandinducedtodoa
temporaryinjustice."
Bytheactpassedin1796,authorizingthesaleofthelandsabovethemouthofKentucky
river,thepurchaser,onpayinghispurchasemoney,becomescompletelyentitledtothe
propertypurchased,and,onproducingtotheSecretaryofStatethereceiptofthe
treasureruponacertificaterequiredbythelaw,thePresidentoftheUnitedStatesis
authorizedtogranthimapatent.Itisfurtherenactedthatallpatentsshallbe
countersignedbytheSecretaryofState,andrecordedinhisoffice.IftheSecretaryof
Stateshouldchoosetowithholdthispatent,or,thepatentbeinglost,shouldrefusea
copyofit,canitbeimaginedthatthelawfurnishestotheinjuredpersonnoremedy?
Itisnotbelievedthatanypersonwhateverwouldattempttomaintainsucha
proposition.
Itfollows,then,thatthequestionwhetherthelegalityofanactoftheheadofa
departmentbeexaminableinacourtofjusticeornotmustalwaysdependonthenature
ofthatact.
Ifsomeactsbeexaminableandothersnot,theremustbesomeruleoflawtoguidethe
Courtintheexerciseofitsjurisdiction.
Insomeinstances,theremaybedifficultyinapplyingtheruletoparticularcasesbut
therecannot,itisbelieved,bemuchdifficultyinlayingdowntherule.
BytheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates,thePresidentisinvestedwithcertain
importantpoliticalpowers,inthe
Page5U.S.166

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exerciseofwhichheistousehisowndiscretion,andisaccountableonlytohiscountry
inhispoliticalcharacterandtohisownconscience.Toaidhimintheperformanceof
theseduties,heisauthorizedtoappointcertainofficers,whoactbyhisauthorityandin
conformitywithhisorders.
Insuchcases,theiractsarehisactsandwhateveropinionmaybeentertainedofthe
mannerinwhichexecutivediscretionmaybeused,stillthereexists,andcanexist,no
powertocontrolthatdiscretion.Thesubjectsarepolitical.Theyrespectthenation,not
individualrights,and,beingentrustedtotheExecutive,thedecisionoftheExecutiveis
conclusive.Theapplicationofthisremarkwillbeperceivedbyadvertingtotheactof
CongressforestablishingtheDepartmentofForeignAffairs.Thisofficer,ashisduties
wereprescribedbythatact,istoconformpreciselytothewillofthePresident.Heisthe
mereorganbywhomthatwilliscommunicated.Theactsofsuchanofficer,asan
officer,canneverbeexaminablebytheCourts.
ButwhentheLegislatureproceedstoimposeonthatofficerotherdutieswhenheis
directedperemptorilytoperformcertainactswhentherightsofindividualsare
dependentontheperformanceofthoseactsheissofartheofficerofthelaw,is
amenabletothelawsforhisconduct,andcannotathisdiscretion,sportawaythevested
rightsofothers.
Theconclusionfromthisreasoningisthat,wheretheheadsofdepartmentsarethe
politicalorconfidentialagentsoftheExecutive,merelytoexecutethewillofthe
President,orrathertoactincasesinwhichtheExecutivepossessesaconstitutionalor
legaldiscretion,nothingcanbemoreperfectlyclearthanthattheiractsareonly
politicallyexaminable.Butwhereaspecificdutyisassignedbylaw,andindividual
rightsdependupontheperformanceofthatduty,itseemsequallyclearthatthe
individualwhoconsidershimselfinjuredhasarighttoresorttothelawsofhiscountry
foraremedy.
Ifthisbetherule,letusinquirehowitappliestothecaseundertheconsiderationofthe
Court.
Page5U.S.167
ThepowerofnominatingtotheSenate,andthepowerofappointingtheperson
nominated,arepoliticalpowers,tobeexercisedbythePresidentaccordingtohisown
discretion.Whenhehasmadeanappointment,hehasexercisedhiswholepower,and

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hisdiscretionhasbeencompletelyappliedtothecase.If,bylaw,theofficerbe
removableatthewillofthePresident,thenanewappointmentmaybeimmediately
made,andtherightsoftheofficerareterminated.Butasafactwhichhasexistedcannot
bemadenevertohaveexisted,theappointmentcannotbeannihilated,and
consequently,iftheofficerisbylawnotremovableatthewillofthePresident,therights
hehasacquiredareprotectedbythelaw,andarenotresumablebythePresident.They
cannotbeextinguishedbyExecutiveauthority,andhehastheprivilegeofasserting
theminlikemannerasiftheyhadbeenderivedfromanyothersource.
Thequestionwhetherarighthasvestedornotis,initsnature,judicial,andmustbe
triedbythejudicialauthority.If,forexample,Mr.Marburyhadtakentheoathsofa
magistrateandproceededtoactasone,inconsequenceofwhichasuithadbeen
institutedagainsthiminwhichhisdefencehaddependedonhisbeingamagistratethe
validityofhisappointmentmusthavebeendeterminedbyjudicialauthority.
So,ifheconceivesthat,byvirtueofhisappointment,hehasalegalrighteithertothe
commissionwhichhasbeenmadeoutforhimortoacopyofthatcommission,itis
equallyaquestionexaminableinacourt,andthedecisionoftheCourtuponitmust
dependontheopinionentertainedofhisappointment.
Thatquestionhasbeendiscussed,andtheopinionisthatthelatestpointoftimewhich
canbetakenasthatatwhichtheappointmentwascompleteandevidencedwaswhen,
afterthesignatureofthePresident,thesealoftheUnitedStateswasaffixedtothe
commission.
ItisthentheopinionoftheCourt:
1.That,bysigningthecommissionofMr.Marbury,thePresidentoftheUnitedStates
appointedhimajustice
Page5U.S.168
ofpeacefortheCountyofWashingtonintheDistrictofColumbia,andthatthesealof
theUnitedStates,affixedtheretobytheSecretaryofState,isconclusivetestimonyof
theverityofthesignature,andofthecompletionoftheappointment,andthatthe
appointmentconferredonhimalegalrighttotheofficeforthespaceoffiveyears.
2.That,havingthislegaltitletotheoffice,hehasaconsequentrighttothecommission,
arefusaltodeliverwhichisaplainviolationofthatright,forwhichthelawsofhis

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countryaffordhimaremedy.
Itremainstobeinquiredwhether,
3.Heisentitledtotheremedyforwhichheapplies.Thisdependson:
1.Thenatureofthewritappliedfor,and
2.Thepowerofthiscourt.
1.Thenatureofthewrit.
Blackstone,inthethirdvolumeofhisCommentaries,page110,definesamandamusto
be
"acommandissuingintheKing'snamefromtheCourtofKing'sBench,anddirectedto
anyperson,corporation,orinferiorcourtofjudicaturewithintheKing'sdominions
requiringthemtodosomeparticularthingthereinspecifiedwhichappertainstotheir
officeandduty,andwhichtheCourtofKing'sBenchhaspreviouslydetermined,orat
leastsupposes,tobeconsonanttorightandjustice."
LordMansfield,in3Burrows,1266,inthecaseofTheKingv.Bakeretal.,stateswith
muchprecisionandexplicitnessthecasesinwhichthiswritmaybeused.
"Whenever,"saysthatveryablejudge,
"thereisarighttoexecuteanoffice,performaservice,orexerciseafranchise(more
especiallyifitbeinamatterofpublicconcernorattendedwithprofit),andapersonis
keptoutofpossession,ordispossessedofsuchright,and
Page5U.S.169
hasnootherspecificlegalremedy,thiscourtoughttoassistbymandamus,upon
reasonsofjustice,asthewritexpresses,anduponreasonsofpublicpolicy,topreserve
peace,orderandgoodgovernment."
Inthesamecase,hesays,
"thiswritoughttobeuseduponalloccasionswherethelawhasestablishednospecific
remedy,andwhereinjusticeandgoodgovernmentthereoughttobeone."

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Inadditiontotheauthoritiesnowparticularlycited,manyotherswerereliedonatthe
barwhichshowhowfarthepracticehasconformedtothegeneraldoctrinesthathave
beenjustquoted.
Thiswrit,ifawarded,wouldbedirectedtoanofficerofgovernment,anditsmandateto
himwouldbe,tousethewordsofBlackstone,
"todoaparticularthingthereinspecified,whichappertainstohisofficeanddutyand
whichtheCourthaspreviouslydeterminedoratleastsupposestobeconsonanttoright
andjustice."
Or,inthewordsofLordMansfield,theapplicant,inthiscase,hasarighttoexecutean
officeofpublicconcern,andiskeptoutofpossessionofthatright.
Thesecircumstancescertainlyconcurinthiscase.
Still,torenderthemandamusaproperremedy,theofficertowhomitistobedirected
mustbeonetowhom,onlegalprinciples,suchwritmaybedirected,andtheperson
applyingforitmustbewithoutanyotherspecificandlegalremedy.
1.Withrespecttotheofficertowhomitwouldbedirected.Theintimatepolitical
relation,subsistingbetweenthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesandtheheadsof
departments,necessarilyrendersanylegalinvestigationoftheactsofoneofthosehigh
officerspeculiarlyirksome,aswellasdelicate,andexcitessomehesitationwithrespect
totheproprietyofenteringintosuchinvestigation.Impressionsareoftenreceived
withoutmuchreflectionorexamination,anditisnotwonderfulthat,insuchacaseas
this,theassertionbyanindividualofhislegalclaimsinacourtofjustice,towhich
claimsitisthedutyofthatcourttoattend,should,atfirstview,beconsidered
Page5U.S.170
bysomeasanattempttointrudeintothecabinetandtointermeddlewiththe
prerogativesoftheExecutive.
ItisscarcelynecessaryfortheCourttodisclaimallpretensionstosuchajurisdiction.
Anextravagancesoabsurdandexcessivecouldnothavebeenentertainedforamoment.
TheprovinceoftheCourtissolelytodecideontherightsofindividuals,nottoinquire
howtheExecutiveorExecutiveofficersperformdutiesinwhichtheyhaveadiscretion.

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Questions,intheirnaturepoliticalorwhichare,bytheConstitutionandlaws,
submittedtotheExecutive,canneverbemadeinthiscourt.
But,ifthisbenotsuchaquestionifsofarfrombeinganintrusionintothesecretsof
thecabinet,itrespectsapaperwhich,accordingtolaw,isuponrecord,andtoacopyof
whichthelawgivesaright,onthepaymentoftencentsifitbenointermeddlingwitha
subjectoverwhichtheExecutivecanbeconsideredashavingexercisedanycontrol
whatisthereintheexaltedstationoftheofficerwhichshallbaracitizenfromasserting
inacourtofjusticehislegalrights,orshallforbidacourttolistentotheclaimorto
issueamandamusdirectingtheperformanceofadutynotdependingonExecutive
discretion,butonparticularactsofCongressandthegeneralprinciplesoflaw?
Ifoneoftheheadsofdepartmentscommitsanyillegalactundercolourofhisofficeby
whichanindividualsustainsaninjury,itcannotbepretendedthathisofficealone
exemptshimfrombeingsuedintheordinarymodeofproceeding,andbeingcompelled
toobeythejudgmentofthelaw.Howthencanhisofficeexempthimfromthis
particularmodeofdecidingonthelegalityofhisconductifthecasebesuchacaseas
would,wereanyotherindividualthepartycomplainedof,authorizetheprocess?
Itisnotbytheofficeofthepersontowhomthewritisdirected,butthenatureofthe
thingtobedone,thattheproprietyorimproprietyofissuingamandamusistobe
determined.WheretheheadofadepartmentactsinacaseinwhichExecutive
discretionistobeexercised,inwhichheisthemereorganofExecutivewill,itis
Page5U.S.171
againrepeated,thatanyapplicationtoacourttocontrol,inanyrespect,hisconduct,
wouldberejectedwithouthesitation.
Butwhereheisdirectedbylawtodoacertainactaffectingtheabsoluterightsof
individuals,intheperformanceofwhichheisnotplacedundertheparticulardirection
ofthePresident,andtheperformanceofwhichthePresidentcannotlawfullyforbid,and
thereforeisneverpresumedtohaveforbiddenasforexample,torecorda
commission,orapatentforland,whichhasreceivedallthelegalsolemnitiesortogive
acopyofsuchrecordinsuchcases,itisnotperceivedonwhatgroundtheCourtsof
thecountryarefurtherexcusedfromthedutyofgivingjudgmentthatrighttobedone
toaninjuredindividualthanifthesameservicesweretobeperformedbyapersonnot
theheadofadepartment.

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Thisopinionseemsnotnowforthefirsttimetobetakenupinthiscountry.
Itmustbewellrecollectedthat,in1792,anactpassed,directingthesecretaryatwarto
placeonthepensionlistsuchdisabledofficersandsoldiersasshouldbereportedtohim
bytheCircuitCourts,whichact,sofarasthedutywasimposedontheCourts,was
deemedunconstitutionalbutsomeofthejudges,thinkingthatthelawmightbe
executedbytheminthecharacterofcommissioners,proceededtoactandtoreportin
thatcharacter.
Thislawbeingdeemedunconstitutionalatthecircuits,wasrepealed,andadifferent
systemwasestablishedbutthequestionwhetherthosepersonswhohadbeenreported
bythejudges,ascommissioners,wereentitled,inconsequenceofthatreport,tobe
placedonthepensionlistwasalegalquestion,properlydeterminableintheCourts,
althoughtheactofplacingsuchpersonsonthelistwastobeperformedbytheheadofa
department.
Thatthisquestionmightbeproperlysettled,CongresspassedanactinFebruary,1793,
makingitthedutyoftheSecretaryofWar,inconjunctionwiththeAttorneyGeneral,to
takesuchmeasuresasmightbenecessarytoobtainanadjudicationoftheSupreme
CourtoftheUnited
Page5U.S.172
Statesonthevalidityofanysuchrights,claimedundertheactaforesaid.
Afterthepassageofthisact,amandamuswasmovedfor,tobedirectedtotheSecretary
ofWar,commandinghimtoplaceonthepensionlistapersonstatinghimselftobeon
thereportofthejudges.
Thereis,therefore,muchreasontobelievethatthismodeoftryingthelegalrightofthe
complainantwasdeemedbytheheadofadepartment,andbythehighestlawofficerof
theUnitedStates,themostproperwhichcouldbeselectedforthepurpose.
WhenthesubjectwasbroughtbeforetheCourt,thedecisionwasnotthatamandamus
wouldnotlietotheheadofadepartmentdirectinghimtoperformanactenjoinedby
law,intheperformanceofwhichanindividualhadavestedinterest,butthata
mandamusoughtnottoissueinthatcasethedecisionnecessarilytobemadeifthe
reportofthecommissionersdidnotconferontheapplicantalegalright.

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Thejudgmentinthatcaseisunderstoodtohavedecidedthemeritsofallclaimsofthat
description,andthepersons,onthereportofthecommissioners,founditnecessaryto
pursuethemodeprescribedbythelawsubsequenttothatwhichhadbeendeemed
unconstitutionalinordertoplacethemselvesonthepensionlist.
Thedoctrine,therefore,nowadvancedisbynomeansanovelone.
Itistruethatthemandamusnowmovedforisnotfortheperformanceofanact
expresslyenjoinedbystatute.
Itistodeliveracommission,onwhichsubjectstheactsofCongressaresilent.This
differenceisnotconsideredasaffectingthecase.Ithasalreadybeenstatedthatthe
applicanthas,tothatcommission,avestedlegalrightofwhichtheExecutivecannot
deprivehim.Hehasbeenappointedtoanofficefromwhichheisnotremovableatthe
willoftheExecutive,and,beingso
Page5U.S.173
appointed,hehasarighttothecommissionwhichtheSecretaryhasreceivedfromthe
Presidentforhisuse.TheactofCongressdoesnot,indeed,ordertheSecretaryofState
tosendittohim,butitisplacedinhishandsforthepersonentitledtoit,andcannotbe
morelawfullywithheldbyhimthanbyanotherperson.
Itwasatfirstdoubtedwhethertheactionofdetinuewasnotaspecificlegalremedyfor
thecommissionwhichhasbeenwithheldfromMr.Marbury,inwhichcaseamandamus
wouldbeimproper.Butthisdoubthasyieldedtotheconsiderationthatthejudgmentin
detinueisforthethingitself,oritsvalue.Thevalueofapublicofficenottobesoldis
incapableofbeingascertained,andtheapplicanthasarighttotheofficeitself,orto
nothing.Hewillobtaintheofficebyobtainingthecommissionoracopyofitfromthe
record.
This,then,isaplaincaseofamandamus,eithertodeliverthecommissionoracopyof
itfromtherecord,anditonlyremainstobeinquired:
WhetheritcanissuefromthisCourt.
TheacttoestablishthejudicialcourtsoftheUnitedStatesauthorizestheSupreme
Court

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"toissuewritsofmandamus,incaseswarrantedbytheprinciplesandusagesoflaw,to
anycourtsappointed,orpersonsholdingoffice,undertheauthorityoftheUnited
States."
TheSecretaryofState,beingaperson,holdinganofficeundertheauthorityofthe
UnitedStates,ispreciselywithintheletterofthedescription,andifthisCourtisnot
authorizedtoissueawritofmandamustosuchanofficer,itmustbebecausethelawis
unconstitutional,andthereforeabsolutelyincapableofconferringtheauthorityand
assigningthedutieswhichitswordspurporttoconferandassign.
TheConstitutionveststhewholejudicialpoweroftheUnitedStatesinoneSupreme
Court,andsuchinferiorcourtsasCongressshall,fromtimetotime,ordainand
establish.Thispowerisexpresslyextendedtoallcasesarisingunderthelawsofthe
UnitedStatesandconsequently,insomeform,maybeexercisedoverthepresent
Page5U.S.174
case,becausetherightclaimedisgivenbyalawoftheUnitedStates.
Inthedistributionofthispower.itisdeclaredthat
"TheSupremeCourtshallhaveoriginaljurisdictioninallcasesaffectingambassadors,
otherpublicministersandconsuls,andthoseinwhichastateshallbeaparty.Inall
othercases,theSupremeCourtshallhaveappellatejurisdiction."
Ithasbeeninsistedatthebar,that,astheoriginalgrantofjurisdictiontotheSupreme
andinferiorcourtsisgeneral,andtheclauseassigningoriginaljurisdictiontothe
SupremeCourtcontainsnonegativeorrestrictivewords,thepowerremainstothe
LegislaturetoassignoriginaljurisdictiontothatCourtinothercasesthanthose
specifiedinthearticlewhichhasbeenrecited,providedthosecasesbelongtothe
judicialpoweroftheUnitedStates.
IfithadbeenintendedtoleaveitinthediscretionoftheLegislaturetoapportionthe
judicialpowerbetweentheSupremeandinferiorcourtsaccordingtothewillofthat
body,itwouldcertainlyhavebeenuselesstohaveproceededfurtherthantohave
definedthejudicialpowerandthetribunalsinwhichitshouldbevested.The
subsequentpartofthesectionismeresurplusageisentirelywithoutmeaningif
suchistobetheconstruction.IfCongressremainsatlibertytogivethiscourtappellate
jurisdictionwheretheConstitutionhasdeclaredtheirjurisdictionshallbeoriginal,and

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originaljurisdictionwheretheConstitutionhasdeclareditshallbeappellate,the
distributionofjurisdictionmadeintheConstitution,isformwithoutsubstance.
Affirmativewordsareoften,intheiroperation,negativeofotherobjectsthanthose
affirmed,and,inthiscase,anegativeorexclusivesensemustbegiventothemorthey
havenooperationatall.
ItcannotbepresumedthatanyclauseintheConstitutionisintendedtobewithout
effect,andthereforesuchconstructionisinadmissibleunlessthewordsrequireit.
Page5U.S.175
IfthesolicitudeoftheConventionrespectingourpeacewithforeignpowersinduceda
provisionthattheSupremeCourtshouldtakeoriginaljurisdictionincaseswhichmight
besupposedtoaffectthem,yettheclausewouldhaveproceedednofurtherthanto
provideforsuchcasesifnofurtherrestrictiononthepowersofCongresshadbeen
intended.Thattheyshouldhaveappellatejurisdictioninallothercases,withsuch
exceptionsasCongressmightmake,isnorestrictionunlessthewordsbedeemed
exclusiveoforiginaljurisdiction.
Whenaninstrumentorganizingfundamentallyajudicialsystemdividesitintoone
SupremeandsomanyinferiorcourtsastheLegislaturemayordainandestablish,then
enumeratesitspowers,andproceedssofartodistributethemastodefinethe
jurisdictionoftheSupremeCourtbydeclaringthecasesinwhichitshalltakeoriginal
jurisdiction,andthatinothersitshalltakeappellatejurisdiction,theplainimportofthe
wordsseemstobethat,inoneclassofcases,itsjurisdictionisoriginal,andnot
appellateintheother,itisappellate,andnotoriginal.,Ifanyotherconstructionwould
rendertheclauseinoperative,thatisanadditionalreasonforrejectingsuchother
construction,andforadheringtotheobviousmeaning.
Toenablethiscourtthentoissueamandamus,itmustbeshowntobeanexerciseof
appellatejurisdiction,ortobenecessarytoenablethemtoexerciseappellate
jurisdiction.
Ithasbeenstatedatthebarthattheappellatejurisdictionmaybeexercisedinavariety
offorms,andthat,ifitbethewilloftheLegislaturethatamandamusshouldbeusedfor
thatpurpose,thatwillmustbeobeyed.Thisistrueyetthejurisdictionmustbe
appellate,notoriginal.

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Itistheessentialcriterionofappellatejurisdictionthatitrevisesandcorrectsthe
proceedingsinacausealreadyinstituted,anddoesnotcreatethatcase.Although,
therefore,amandamusmaybedirectedtocourts,yettoissuesuchawrittoanofficer
forthedeliveryofapaperis,ineffect,thesameastosustainanoriginalactionforthat
paper,andthereforeseemsnottobelongto
Page5U.S.176
appellate,buttooriginaljurisdiction.Neitherisitnecessaryinsuchacaseasthisto
enabletheCourttoexerciseitsappellatejurisdiction.
Theauthority,therefore,giventotheSupremeCourtbytheactestablishingthejudicial
courtsoftheUnitedStatestoissuewritsofmandamustopublicofficersappearsnotto
bewarrantedbytheConstitution,anditbecomesnecessarytoinquirewhethera
jurisdictionsoconferredcanbeexercised.
ThequestionwhetheranactrepugnanttotheConstitutioncanbecomethelawofthe
landisaquestiondeeplyinterestingtotheUnitedStates,but,happily,notofan
intricacyproportionedtoitsinterest.Itseemsonlynecessarytorecognisecertain
principles,supposedtohavebeenlongandwellestablished,todecideit.
Thatthepeoplehaveanoriginalrighttoestablishfortheirfuturegovernmentsuch
principlesas,intheiropinion,shallmostconducetotheirownhappinessisthebasison
whichthewholeAmericanfabrichasbeenerected.Theexerciseofthisoriginalrightisa
verygreatexertionnorcanitnoroughtittobefrequentlyrepeated.Theprinciples,
therefore,soestablishedaredeemedfundamental.Andastheauthorityfromwhich
theyproceed,issupreme,andcanseldomact,theyaredesignedtobepermanent.
Thisoriginalandsupremewillorganizesthegovernmentandassignstodifferent
departmentstheirrespectivepowers.Itmayeitherstophereorestablishcertainlimits
nottobetranscendedbythosedepartments.
TheGovernmentoftheUnitedStatesisofthelatterdescription.Thepowersofthe
Legislaturearedefinedandlimitedandthatthoselimitsmaynotbemistakenor
forgotten,theConstitutioniswritten.Towhatpurposearepowerslimited,andtowhat
purposeisthatlimitationcommittedtowriting,iftheselimitsmayatanytimebe
passedbythoseintendedtoberestrained?Thedistinctionbetweenagovernmentwith
limitedandunlimitedpowersisabolishedifthoselimitsdonotconfinethepersonson
whomtheyareimposed,andifactsprohibited

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Page5U.S.177
andactsallowedareofequalobligation.Itisapropositiontooplaintobecontestedthat
theConstitutioncontrolsanylegislativeactrepugnanttoit,orthattheLegislaturemay
altertheConstitutionbyanordinaryact.
Betweenthesealternativesthereisnomiddleground.TheConstitutioniseithera
superior,paramountlaw,unchangeablebyordinarymeans,oritisonalevelwith
ordinarylegislativeacts,and,likeotheracts,isalterablewhenthelegislatureshall
pleasetoalterit.
Iftheformerpartofthealternativebetrue,thenalegislativeactcontrarytothe
Constitutionisnotlawifthelatterpartbetrue,thenwrittenConstitutionsareabsurd
attemptsonthepartofthepeopletolimitapowerinitsownnatureillimitable.
CertainlyallthosewhohaveframedwrittenConstitutionscontemplatethemasforming
thefundamentalandparamountlawofthenation,andconsequentlythetheoryofevery
suchgovernmentmustbethatanactoftheLegislaturerepugnanttotheConstitutionis
void.
ThistheoryisessentiallyattachedtoawrittenConstitution,andisconsequentlytobe
consideredbythisCourtasoneofthefundamentalprinciplesofoursociety.Itisnot,
therefore,tobelostsightofinthefurtherconsiderationofthissubject.
IfanactoftheLegislaturerepugnanttotheConstitutionisvoid,doesit,
notwithstandingitsinvalidity,bindtheCourtsandobligethemtogiveiteffect?Or,in
otherwords,thoughitbenotlaw,doesitconstitutearuleasoperativeasifitwasalaw?
Thiswouldbetooverthrowinfactwhatwasestablishedintheory,andwouldseem,at
firstview,anabsurditytoogrosstobeinsistedon.Itshall,however,receiveamore
attentiveconsideration.
ItisemphaticallytheprovinceanddutyoftheJudicialDepartmenttosaywhatthelaw
is.Thosewhoapplytheruletoparticularcasesmust,ofnecessity,expoundand
interpretthatrule.Iftwolawsconflictwitheachother,theCourtsmustdecideonthe
operationofeach.
Page5U.S.178

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So,ifalawbeinoppositiontotheConstitution,ifboththelawandtheConstitution
applytoaparticularcase,sothattheCourtmusteitherdecidethatcaseconformablyto
thelaw,disregardingtheConstitution,orconformablytotheConstitution,disregarding
thelaw,theCourtmustdeterminewhichoftheseconflictingrulesgovernsthecase.This
isoftheveryessenceofjudicialduty.
If,then,theCourtsaretoregardtheConstitution,andtheConstitutionissuperiorto
anyordinaryactoftheLegislature,theConstitution,andnotsuchordinaryact,must
governthecasetowhichtheybothapply.
Those,then,whocontroverttheprinciplethattheConstitutionistobeconsideredin
courtasaparamountlawarereducedtothenecessityofmaintainingthatcourtsmust
closetheireyesontheConstitution,andseeonlythelaw.
ThisdoctrinewouldsubverttheveryfoundationofallwrittenConstitutions.Itwould
declarethatanactwhich,accordingtotheprinciplesandtheoryofourgovernment,is
entirelyvoid,isyet,inpractice,completelyobligatory.Itwoulddeclarethat,ifthe
Legislatureshalldowhatisexpresslyforbidden,suchact,notwithstandingtheexpress
prohibition,isinrealityeffectual.ItwouldbegivingtotheLegislatureapracticaland
realomnipotencewiththesamebreathwhichprofessestorestricttheirpowerswithin
narrowlimits.Itisprescribinglimits,anddeclaringthatthoselimitsmaybepassedat
pleasure.
Thatitthusreducestonothingwhatwehavedeemedthegreatestimprovementon
politicalinstitutionsawrittenConstitution,wouldofitselfbesufficient,inAmerica
wherewrittenConstitutionshavebeenviewedwithsomuchreverence,forrejectingthe
construction.ButthepeculiarexpressionsoftheConstitutionoftheUnitedStates
furnishadditionalargumentsinfavourofitsrejection.
ThejudicialpoweroftheUnitedStatesisextendedtoallcasesarisingunderthe
Constitution.
Page5U.S.179
Coulditbetheintentionofthosewhogavethispowertosaythat,inusingit,the
Constitutionshouldnotbelookedinto?ThatacasearisingundertheConstitution
shouldbedecidedwithoutexaminingtheinstrumentunderwhichitarises?
Thisistooextravaganttobemaintained.

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Insomecasesthen,theConstitutionmustbelookedintobythejudges.Andiftheycan
openitatall,whatpartofitaretheyforbiddentoreadortoobey?
TherearemanyotherpartsoftheConstitutionwhichservetoillustratethissubject.
Itisdeclaredthat"notaxordutyshallbelaidonarticlesexportedfromanyState."
Supposeadutyontheexportofcotton,oftobacco,orofflour,andasuitinstitutedto
recoverit.Oughtjudgmenttoberenderedinsuchacase?oughtthejudgestoclosetheir
eyesontheConstitution,andonlyseethelaw?
TheConstitutiondeclaresthat"nobillofattainderorexpostfactolawshallbepassed."
If,however,suchabillshouldbepassedandapersonshouldbeprosecutedunderit,
musttheCourtcondemntodeaththosevictimswhomtheConstitutionendeavoursto
preserve?
"Noperson,'saystheConstitution,'shallbeconvictedoftreasonunlessonthetestimony
oftwowitnessestothesameovertact,oronconfessioninopencourt."
Here.thelanguageoftheConstitutionisaddressedespeciallytotheCourts.It
prescribes,directlyforthem,aruleofevidencenottobedepartedfrom.Ifthe
Legislatureshouldchangethatrule,anddeclareonewitness,oraconfessionoutof
court,sufficientforconviction,musttheconstitutionalprincipleyieldtothelegislative
act?
Fromtheseandmanyotherselectionswhichmightbemade,itisapparentthatthe
framersoftheConstitution
Page5U.S.180
contemplatedthatinstrumentasaruleforthegovernmentofcourts,aswellasofthe
Legislature.
Whyotherwisedoesitdirectthejudgestotakeanoathtosupportit?Thisoathcertainly
appliesinanespecialmannertotheirconductintheirofficialcharacter.Howimmoral
toimposeitonthemiftheyweretobeusedastheinstruments,andtheknowing
instruments,forviolatingwhattheysweartosupport!
Theoathofoffice,too,imposedbytheLegislature,iscompletelydemonstrativeofthe
legislativeopiniononthissubject.Itisinthesewords:

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"IdosolemnlyswearthatIwilladministerjusticewithoutrespecttopersons,anddo
equalrighttothepoorandtotherichandthatIwillfaithfullyandimpartially
dischargeallthedutiesincumbentonmeasaccordingtothebestofmyabilitiesand
understanding,agreeablytotheConstitutionandlawsoftheUnitedStates."
WhydoesajudgesweartodischargehisdutiesagreeablytotheConstitutionofthe
UnitedStatesifthatConstitutionformsnoruleforhisgovernment?ifitisclosedupon
himandcannotbeinspectedbyhim?
Ifsuchbetherealstateofthings,thisisworsethansolemnmockery.Toprescribeorto
takethisoathbecomesequallyacrime.
Itisalsonotentirelyunworthyofobservationthat,indeclaringwhatshallbethe
supremelawoftheland,theConstitutionitselfisfirstmentioned,andnotthelawsof
theUnitedStatesgenerally,butthoseonlywhichshallbemadeinpursuanceofthe
Constitution,havethatrank.
Thus,theparticularphraseologyoftheConstitutionoftheUnitedStatesconfirmsand
strengthenstheprinciple,supposedtobeessentialtoallwrittenConstitutions,thata
lawrepugnanttotheConstitutionisvoid,andthatcourts,aswellasotherdepartments,
areboundbythatinstrument.
Therulemustbedischarged.

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