Judicial Review Overview and Impact

Study Notes

Judicial Review Overview

Judicial review allows federal courts to evaluate laws and executive acts against the Constitution, potentially ruling them unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court uses judicial review to oversee state and local governments' actions.

Constitutional Basis

Judicial review is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, prompting questions about its legitimacy.

Alexander Hamilton's Perspective

Hamilton described the judiciary as an intermediary protecting the Constitution's limits on legislative power.
He emphasized that judges should prioritize the Constitution over conflicting statutes.

Impact on Policy

Federal courts were not intended to create policy; however, significant rulings can alter public policy by reinterpreting laws or the Constitution.

Remedies in Judicial Decisions

A remedy is a legal enforcement action stemming from a judicial decision, which may require changes in legislative or executive policy.
For example, the Supreme Court mandated the admission of Allan Bakke to the University of California at Davis Medical School as a remedy for racial discrimination.

Comparison of Judges and Elected Officials

Federal judges serve the people but are appointed by the president with Senate approval, contrasting with elected officials whose authority comes directly from voters.
This structure aims to ensure that judicial decisions are based on law and constitutional principles rather than transient public opinion.

Senatorial Courtesy

"Senatorial courtesy" is the practice where a president seeks recommendations from senators for judicial nominees in their state, affecting appointment chances.

Critiques of Judicial Selection

Critics argue that senatorial courtesy may blur executive and legislative boundaries in appointing judges.
There's a call among some Americans for judges to be elected to increase accountability to the public.

Checks on Judicial Power

The legislative and executive branches can check the judiciary’s power, including the ability to organize federal courts and impeach judges for serious misconduct.

Evolution of Judicial Review

Changing social values, particularly regarding civil rights, reshape judicial interpretations of laws and the Constitution.
The ideological beliefs of justices influence their interpretation, as decisions require a majority vote of the nine Supreme Court justices.

Description

This quiz explores the concept of judicial review, its constitutional basis, and the perspectives of key figures like Alexander Hamilton. It discusses the role of federal courts in interpreting laws and affecting public policy through their rulings and remedies. Test your understanding of how judicial review shapes our legal landscape.