What does the principle of Judicial Review empower judges to do?

The principle of Judicial Review empowers judges to ensure compliance with the Constitution by evaluating whether laws and government actions align with constitutional provisions. This power, established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, allows the judiciary to determine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. By exercising Judicial Review, judges act as a check on the other branches of government, safeguarding individual rights and maintaining the rule of law.

While judges certainly enforce and interpret laws, those actions are part of the broader responsibility of ensuring that they comply with constitutional standards. Proposing amendments, on the other hand, is not within the purview of the judiciary; that function is reserved for the legislative branch and the states. Therefore, the focus of Judicial Review specifically targets the relationship between laws and the Constitution, reinforcing the judiciary's vital role in upholding constitutional governance.