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

See Examples For:

judicial branch

Here's a look at the three biggest takeaways from an eventful Monday morning for America's judicial branch.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

In California, nearly half of active court reporter licenses were issued at least 30 years ago, the state’s judicial branch says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026

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

Marshals Service, the law enforcement arm of the judicial branch, can be called upon to enforce the court’s orders, Weisberg said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2025

There was established in each colony a legislative branch for the enactment of laws, an executive branch to see that the laws were enforced, and a judicial branch for the interpretation of the laws.

From Problems in American Democracy by Thames Ross Williamson