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

The Constitution explicitly grants power to the legislative and judicial branches too, which we all learned in elementary school is called the balance of power.

From Salon

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

But seeing the ongoing erosion in the public’s trust in the judicial branch and the escalating threats her colleagues have received this year has pushed her to take her advocacy a step further, she said.

From Salon