The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws, determining their constitutionality, and applying them to individual cases. It serves as the system of courts that adjudicates legal disputes and ensures laws are fairly enforced. Key functions include:
- Interpreting the meaning of laws and how they apply to real situations.
- Deciding whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution through judicial review.
- Resolving disputes peacefully by hearing civil and criminal cases.
- Protecting individual rights granted by the Constitution.
- Establishing legal precedents that guide future court decisions.
The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the judicial branch, with the power to make final decisions on constitutional issues. Below it are federal courts of appeals and district courts that handle trials and appeals. Judges in the federal system are appointed for life, ensuring independence from the other branches of government. The judicial branch operates within a system of checks and balances, interpreting laws passed by the legislative branch and enforced by the executive branch
