Judicial Review
Definition
The doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to review by the judiciary. It is an essential part of checks and balances within U.S. government structure.
Analogy
Imagine you're playing a video game where you can challenge decisions made by computer-controlled characters. If something doesn't seem right or fair according to your understanding of the game's rules (the Constitution), you can use your special power (judicial review) to contest it.
Related terms
Checks and Balances: A system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.
Separation Of Powers: An act of vesting the legislative, executive, and judicial powers into separate bodies for preventing abuses of power.
Unconstitutional: Contrary not adhering to legal provisions outlined within a country's constitution.
"Judicial Review" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Practice Questions (1)
- Who was the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court who established judicial review in Marbury v. Madison?
Resources
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