The power of courts to examine and potentially invalidate actions by legislative and executive branches that violate the constitution. This allows the judiciary to serve as a check on the other branches of government.
From Latin 'judicialis' (relating to judgment) and 'revidere' (to look back or examine again). The concept was established in American law by Chief Justice John Marshall in Marbury v. Madison (1803), though similar principles existed in earlier legal systems.
Judicial review gives judges the ultimate veto power - even if Congress passes a law and the President signs it, a single Supreme Court justice's vote can declare it unconstitutional and wipe it off the books forever!
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