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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of judicial branch¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

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

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While the news media is sometimes referred to as the fourth estate, alongside the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, few think of stand-up comedy as a pillar of democracy.

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The judicial branch, according to this view, should not make policy decisions about immigration enforcement priorities.

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Since half of Americans hold an unfavorable view of the Supreme Court, the lowest rating for the judicial branch in three decades, Pew Research says, that’s going to be a tough sell.

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Immigration courts are not part of the judicial branch but fall under the Department of Justice.

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