Legitimacy

Definition

Legitimacy refers to the acceptance and recognition of authority or power by individuals or groups. In the context of the U.S. Supreme Court, it relates to whether people perceive its decisions as fair, just, and within the boundaries of their constitutional powers.

Related terms

Public Opinion: The views, attitudes, and beliefs held by individuals in society about political issues or institutions.

Stare Decisis: The legal principle that previous court decisions should guide future rulings on similar cases.

Activism vs. Restraint: Two different approaches taken by judges when interpreting laws - activism involves taking an active role in shaping policy through judicial decisions, while restraint focuses on deferring to other branches of government whenever possible.