Judicial Review

Definition

The doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to review by the judiciary. It is an essential part of checks and balances within U.S. government structure.

Related terms

Checks and Balances: A system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.

Separation Of Powers: An act of vesting the legislative, executive, and judicial powers into separate bodies for preventing abuses of power.

Unconstitutional: Contrary not adhering to legal provisions outlined within a country's constitution.