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judicial branch

[ joo-dish-uhl branch ]

noun

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


judicial branch

  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 .


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Word History and Origins

Origin of judicial branch1

First recorded in 1780–90
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Example Sentences

Roberts knows just how hard won the current authority of the judicial branch has been and the stakes remain high.

If the legislature acts to protect the poor and less powerful, its actions must be respected by the judicial branch.

In the latter, regulative power would really reside in the judicial branch of the government.

Not in the judicial branch of Government, for it only adjudicates and does not prescribe laws.

The candidate for citizen honors should know something of the organization of the judicial branch of government.

The Judicial branch also is asked by the people to do its part in making democracy successful.

But in the judicial branch of the government is where, after all, we must place our reliance.

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