Meaning & use

judicial review

noun·Academic

The power of a court to examine and potentially overturn actions or laws made by other branches of government.

See it in a sentence

The Supreme Court struck down the law after a judicial review found it unconstitutional.

Judicial review allows courts to check whether government agencies acted within their legal authority.

A note on using this word

A cornerstone of many legal systems, distinguishing courts' oversight role from that of legislatures and executives.

Words with a similar meaning

legal review

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