Today in Supreme Court History: February 17, 1801

On February 17, 1801, the House of Representatives broke a tie in the Electoral College and selected Thomas Jefferson as President. This event is a significant moment in American political history, marking the transition of power to Jefferson, who was a key figure in the early years of the United States. The selection of Jefferson followed a contentious election, which highlighted the evolving political landscape of the nation. In the context of Supreme Court history, several pivotal events have occurred that shaped its role in American governance. Notably, on February 11, 1803, the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison was argued, establishing the principle of judicial review. This landmark case allowed the Court to invalidate laws and executive actions deemed unconstitutional, thereby reinforcing the judiciary's authority within the federal government. The establishment of judicial review is recognized as a cornerstone of the Court's influence on American law. Additionally, the Supreme Court has experienced various significant moments since its inception. For instance, Justice John Rutledge took the oath of office on February 15, 1790, marking one of the foundational moments in the Court's early history. Other notable events include the oath-taking of Justice Samuel Nelson on February 14, 1845, and the argument of NLRB v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. on February 9, 1937, which addressed labor issues during a pivotal time in American history. The ratification of the 25th Amendment on February 10, 1967, further illustrates the evolving legal framework surrounding the presidency and the responsibilities of the executive branch. The death of Justice Willis Van Devanter on February 8, 1941, also reflects changes in the Court's composition over time. Each of these occurrences contributes to the rich history of the Supreme Court and underscores its impact on American law and governance.