judicial review

[joo-dish-uhl ri-vyoo]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the power of a court to adjudicate the constitutionality of the laws of a government or the acts of a government official.

judicial review

The principle by which courts can declare acts of either the executive branch or the legislative branch unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has exercised this power, for example, to revoke state laws that denied civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution. (See also checks and balances.)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of judicial review¹

First recorded in 1920–25

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Lawyers representing families and private schools at the judicial review hearings had argued that the policy was discriminatory and in breach of human rights law.

From

If Lord Bracadale decides to stay in post, the federation has said it will seek a judicial review.

From

But its shadow loomed over the Forty-second Amendment Act, passed in 1976, which expanded Parliament's powers, limited judicial review and further centralised executive authority.

From

Following the PAT's decision to revoke the dismissal, the Met considered a legal challenge by way of a judicial review but decided that Mr Bennett should face a fresh misconduct hearing.

From

The BBC can reveal an anonymous teenager brought a judicial review against the council but it has since been withdrawn after an agreement between the parties.

From

judicial restraint judicial separation

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