What does the term "judicial review" mean?

Judicial review refers to the power held by courts to assess the constitutionality of legislative acts or executive actions. When a court exercises judicial review, it has the authority to invalidate laws or government actions that are found to conflict with the Constitution. This principle serves as a critical check on the legislative and executive branches, ensuring that no law or action can override the supreme law of the land, which is the Constitution itself.

In the context of the term, this process is fundamental to maintaining the rule of law and protecting individual rights. It ensures that all laws and actions of government entities adhere to constitutional principles, providing a safeguard against potential encroachments on civil liberties. Judicial review is a cornerstone of the American legal system and reinforces the separation of powers among the branches of government.

Understanding this key concept is vital as it underpins many landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped the legal landscape of the United States, such as Marbury v. Madison, which established the precedent for the judicial review authority.