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