Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Judicial review is the power of a court to determine whether laws and actions by the government are constitutional. It allows the judiciary to interpret and apply the law, ensuring that it aligns with the principles of the constitution.
Related terms
Constitutionality: The principle of determining whether something is in accordance with the constitution.
The division of governmental powers among different branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.