judicial branch

American  

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

noun

judicial branches plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• judicial branches
  plural

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

Executive privilege is the president’s power to withhold sensitive information and private discussions from Congress and the judicial branch to guarantee frank conversations with other executive branch officials.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 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

“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

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

From Woman in Modern Society by Barnes, Earl