What is judicial review?

Judicial review refers to the power of the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of laws and governmental actions. This fundamental principle allows the judiciary to interpret the law and assess whether legislative and executive actions align with the Constitution. Established mainly through landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Marbury v. Madison, judicial review serves as a critical check on the powers of the other branches of government, ensuring that no law or action can violate constitutional provisions. This process upholds the rule of law and protects individual rights by allowing courts to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.

Other choices do not accurately define judicial review because they either refer to legislative or state powers that do not involve the judicial interpretation of constitutional issues.