judicial branch

American  

[joo-dish-uhl branch] / dʒuˈdɪʃ əl ˌbræntʃ /

noun

1. the branch of government charged with the interpretation of laws and the administration of justice; the judiciary.

---

judicial branch Cultural  

1. The court systems of local, state, and federal governments, responsible for interpreting the laws passed by the legislative branch and enforced by the executive branch. These courts try criminal cases (in which a law may have been violated) or civil cases (disputes between parties over rights or responsibilities). The courts attempt to resolve conflicts impartially in order to protect the individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution, within the bounds of justice, as defined by the entire body of U.S. law. Some courts try only original cases, whereas others act as courts of appeals. The ultimate court of appeals is the Supreme Court. On the federal level, the system of checks and balances empowers Congress to create federal courts, and all federal judges must be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The courts may exercise the powers of judicial review and injunction.

---

Etymology

Origin of judicial branch

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Presidents have historically stayed away from Supreme Court proceedings to avoid the appearance of interference with the judicial branch.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

He is the commander in chief of the armed forces and oversees other key institutions, such as the judicial branch and state media.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

The judicial branch will remain in close communication with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina State Supreme Court said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

Marshals Service, the law enforcement arm of the judicial branch, can be called upon to enforce the court’s orders, Weisberg said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2025

To answer these questions the judicial branch of government exists, comprising a system of courts.

From Community Civics and Rural Life by Dunn, Arthur William