What is the judicial branch responsible for?

The judicial branch is primarily responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. This function is crucial as it ensures that laws are applied fairly and consistently in individual cases. Courts, as part of the judicial branch, hear cases, evaluate evidence, and provide rulings based on legal precedents, statutes, and constitutional provisions. This interpretation helps to clarify the meaning and scope of laws and resolves disputes between individuals, organizations, and government entities.

The judicial branch also ensures that laws adhere to the constitution, acting as a check on the legislative and executive branches by ruling on the legality of their actions. This role is fundamental in upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights.

In contrast, other branches have different roles: the legislative branch is tasked with making laws, the executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws, and elections are typically overseen by state and local election officials rather than any one branch of government.