Judicial Review

What is Judicial Review?

Judicial Review is the process by which courts examine and determine the legality or constitutionality of actions taken by the government, public institutions, or lower courts.

Key Takeaways

• Judicial Review ensures government actions comply with constitutional principles.
• It acts as a safeguard against abuse of power.
• Courts may strike down, modify, or uphold contested actions.

Understanding Judicial Review

Judicial Review is a cornerstone of constitutional law and democratic governance. It empowers the judiciary to interpret the constitution and maintain a balance between branches of government.

The concept originated in the early 19th century, with the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison (1803), which established the judiciary’s authority to review legislative and executive actions.

Today, Judicial Review exists in many forms across democracies. Some countries have strong constitutional courts dedicated to this function, while others integrate review authority into regular court systems.

Judicial Review may address:

• Constitutionality of legislation
• Abuse of administrative discretion
• Violations of individual rights
• Procedural errors by government agencies

Formula (If Applicable)

There is no formula, but the typical Judicial Review process involves:

1. Filing a petition challenging a law or decision.
2. Court evaluation of facts and legal grounds.
3. Interpretation of constitutional or statutory provisions.
4. Issuing a ruling—upholding, striking, or modifying the action.

Real-World Example

In 2017, the UK Supreme Court conducted Judicial Review on Brexit procedures, ruling that Parliament—not the executive—must authorize the triggering of Article 50. This affirmed parliamentary sovereignty.

Importance in Business or Economics

Judicial Review impacts businesses by:

• Ensuring regulatory fairness
• Providing recourse against unlawful government actions
• Protecting property rights and contractual freedoms
• Supporting stable investment environments

Businesses often rely on Judicial Review to challenge unfair taxation, licensing decisions, or regulatory penalties.

Types or Variations

• Constitutional Review: Assessing constitutionality of laws.
• Administrative Review: Examining government agency decisions.
• Judicial Oversight: Broad monitoring of legal processes.
• Rights-Based Review: Protecting individual and corporate rights.

Related Terms

• Constitutional Law
• Administrative Law
• Rule of Law

Sources and Further Reading

• Constitutional Law Journals
• U.S. Supreme Court and UK Supreme Court Reference Cases
• Comparative Judicial Review Textbooks

Quick Reference

• Courts review laws and decisions for legality.
• Protects citizens and businesses from government overreach.
• Fundamental to democratic governance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)