Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch interprets the meaning of laws, applies them to individual cases, and decides if laws violate the Constitution.

Last verified: June 2026

Key Facts

Who: The Supreme Court (9 justices) and lower federal courts
Term: Life tenure ("during good behaviour").

About the Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch interprets the meaning of laws, applies them to individual cases, and decides if laws violate the Constitution. The power of "judicial review" was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Key Powers

Interpret the Constitution
Declare laws unconstitutional
Resolve disputes between states
Hear cases involving federal law
Protect individual rights
Set legal precedent
Review executive actions
Issue injunctions

Checks and Balances

How the Judicial Branch checks the others:

→ LegislativeDeclare laws unconstitutional, interpret statutes

→ ExecutiveDeclare executive actions unconstitutional, issue injunctions

How the other branches check the Judicial:

Legislative →Confirm or reject judicial nominees, impeach judges, propose constitutional amendments

Executive →Nominate federal judges, grant pardons

Supreme Court→Constitution Article III→

Explore Other Branches

Legislative Branch

Makes the Laws

Executive Branch

Enforces the Laws

Judicial Branch

Key Facts

About the Judicial Branch

Key Powers

Checks and Balances

How the Judicial Branch checks the others:

How the other branches check the Judicial:

Related Pages

Explore Other Branches

Legislative Branch

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch

Key Facts

About the Judicial Branch

Key Powers

Checks and Balances

How the Judicial Branch checks the others:

How the other branches check the Judicial:

Related Pages

Explore Other Branches

Legislative Branch

Executive Branch