Question

These words from Chief Justice John Marshall's opinion in the 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison are inscribed on the U.S. Supreme Court building. How does this statement relate to the function of the judicial branch and its place within our three-branch system of government? Why do you think this idea was important enough to have it displayed at the Supreme Court? If we did not have an independent, impartial judicial branch, who might be responsible for saying what the law is, and why might that be problematic?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

1. The statement this question refers to is "Equal Justice Under Law." This declaration shows that the judiciary is completely in accordance with the laws in force in the country and does not take decisions that could violate those laws, determining that the laws are the center of the national organization and that which must never be disobeyed. In this case, we can see that the role of the judiciary within the three-branch system is to promote justice and resolve national problems based on the constitution.

2. This idea was important to be exhibited in the Supreme Court because it shows that there is only justice in a country if the law is obeyed, because justice is subject to the law..

3. It is likely that, in this case, the person responsible for the law was the President of the United States, as he is the head of the executive branch. This would be problematic because it would allow the president to manipulate the law in his own favor, allowing him to abuse power without being punished whenever he wants to.