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Well, in the late 1790s, John Adams was president, and the Federalist Party held power in America. However, in 1800, Thomas Jefferson and the Republican Party dominated the election, winning by a landslide and kicking the Federalists out. So, in the last hours of his presidency, Adams and the Federalist Party tried to act fast to retain some sort of power in the incoming Republican administration. The previous Supreme Court chief justice had just died, so Adams quickly filled the spot with his secretary of state, John Marshall. He also created over 40 other judgeship positions across the country and filled those with Federalists too. But to become a judge, the sitting president must give them their commission on a document with the seal and signature of the president.
unhappy — so unhappy, in fact, that he canceled the 1802 Supreme Court term and sent Marshall away.
In his time away, Marshall saw the future of the Supreme Court dying and knew he needed to do something to legitimize its value if it was to remain a part of the U.S. government. So, its 1803 comeback made an enormous splash in the name of a very famous case: Marbury v. Madison. William Marbury was one of the judges appointed by Adams in those final hours. His name was also on one of the papers left on the desk. So when Marbury brought this to the Supreme Court to argue he deserved the judicial role, Marshall made a decision that changed history forever. Even though he, too, was a Federalist, he decided that the court couldn’t rule on the case because it didn’t follow the proper procedures outlined in the Constitution. So while Congress passed a law that said certain cases could jump right to the Supreme Court, the Constitution said all cases must go through the lower courts first. In essence, the law that Congress passed was unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court wouldn’t follow it.
So, in the waning hours of Adams’ presidency, he fervently stamped and signed these documents. Unfortunately, when the clock struck the final hour, some documents
were left behind. When Jefferson entered and found 40 Federalists and his detested cousin in judiciary roles, he was
This decision to lose one Federalist judge to gain the power of striking down laws ultimately gave the Supreme Court the influence it has today — and John Marshall did it to spite his cousin. RESCUE DOG’S LEGACY LIVES ON How the World Fell for Frida
Dressed in protective goggles, blue booties, and a matching vest, this incredible rescue dog became a symbol of hope in Mexico. Frida, a cheerful yellow Labrador retriever, was a devoted member of the Mexican Navy known for her search and rescue skills. Trained to find people trapped under rubble after earthquakes, Frida always worked hard to save lives. Frida became a national hero when a devastating earthquake hit Mexico City in 2017. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake took more than 300 lives and injured many more. While sifting through dangerous debris and aftershocks, Frida saved 12 people after finding them alive while uncovering more than 40 bodies during her lifesaving career. While the nation was devastated by the disaster, this smiley rescue pup brought worldwide attention to the tragedy. Frida’s dedication (and impeccable style) quickly made her an internet celebrity, and soon, murals of the lifesaving canine graced the
walls of Mexico City. Even Captain America, aka Chris Evans , gave Frida a shoutout on Twitter, adding, “What did we do to deserve dogs?” The hero dog then traveled the world, helping countries suffering from the aftermath of disastrous earthquakes. Frida saved lives in Haiti and Ecuador before retiring from her position in 2019 at 10 years old to live the rest of her days in comfort and love. Sadly, the Mexican Navy announced Frida’s passing in November 2022 due to old age. She was 13 years old. In her honor, a magnificent bronze statue of Frida, clad in goggles and boots, stands in front of the Mexican Navy office in Mexico City. On the day of her death, the Mexican Navy changed their Twitter banner to an illustration of Frida and spread the hashtag “#HastaSiempreFrida.” Frida will always be remembered for her lifesaving work and the hope she embodied for the entire world.
2 • www.lawyersreadytofight.com
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