Changes

The idea of [[judicial review]] (the power of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional), implied by the Constitution, but established by the ruling of Chief Justice [[John Marshall]] in the famous case ''[[Marbury v. Madison]]'', established the Supreme Court's power. In this case, Justice Marshall declared that the Supreme Court could overrule any law passed by Congress that violated Constitutional.  

The idea of [[judicial review]] (the power of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional), implied by the Constitution, but established by the ruling of Chief Justice [[John Marshall]] in the famous case ''[[Marbury v. Madison]]'', established the Supreme Court's power. In this case, Justice Marshall declared that the Supreme Court could overrule any law passed by Congress that violated Constitutional.  

While this decision provided that the Supreme Court keeps the other two branches in check, there are next to no checks on the Supreme Court, except for appointments and impeachment. Impeachment has not been used since President [[Thomas Jefferson]] failed in 1805 to secure the impeachment of [[Samuel Chase]], a member of the opposition party.  

While this decision provided that the Supreme Court keeps the other two branches in check, there are next to no checks on the Supreme Court, except for appointments and impeachment. Impeachment has not been used since President [[Thomas Jefferson]] failed in 1805 to secure the conviction of [[Samuel Chase]], a member of the opposition party, although he did manage to get articles of impeachment passed.

The words written on the entrance of the Supreme Court building summarize the purpose of the judicial branch: "Equal justice under law."   

The words written on the entrance of the Supreme Court building summarize the purpose of the judicial branch: "Equal justice under law."