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.

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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.

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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

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

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 • Jul. 27, 2025

“In fact, it was not at all uncommon for prosecutors to be a part of the judicial branch in the early 19th century.”

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

Though many able men held that the judicial branch of the government enjoyed it, the principle was not positively established until 1803 when the case of Marbury vs.

From History of the United States by Beard, Charles A. (Charles Austin)