Judicial Activism
Definition
Judicial activism refers to judicial rulings that are suspected of being based on personal opinion, rather than on existing law. It is sometimes used to describe judges who seek to enact legislation through court decisions.
Related terms
Constitutional Interpretation: The process by which legal decisions are made about the meaning or application of constitutional provisions.
Stare Decisis: A legal principle which dictates that courts cannot disregard standard procedures set by previous decisions.
Precedent: An earlier event or action regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
"Judicial Activism" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (8)
What does judicial activism refer to?
What does judicial activism refer to?
What if "judicial activism," or justices making decisions that push their own social or political agendas, had not become a critique associated with the Supreme Court?
Which part of Roe v Wade exemplified judicial activism?
What could result from judicial activism on contentious issues?
What event in U.S history led to a significant increase in judicial activism?
Which action exemplifies judicial activism?
What sets apart judicial activism from judicial restraint when interpreting constitutional laws?
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