judicial

Judicial is an adjective relating to the judiciary or to the administration of justice within a country or community. It is used to describe courts, judges, and the processes by which legal disputes are resolved. The term is commonly contrasted with the executive and legislative branches in systems that separate powers.

In many democracies, the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and applying laws enacted by the legislature and for safeguarding constitutional rights. It is typically organized into levels of courts, including trial courts that determine facts and apply the law, appellate courts that review lower court decisions, and a supreme or constitutional court that handles questions of constitutional interpretation and final appeals. Judges and magistrates decide disputes, supervise proceedings, issue rulings, and interpret statutes, treaties, and precedent.

Judicial independence is a central principle, designed to protect courts from political interference so that decisions are fair and impartial. This independence is often protected by constitutional provisions, secure tenure, protected salaries, and transparent appointment processes.

There are different legal traditions. In common law systems, judges base decisions on precedent and case law, while civil law systems emphasize codified statutes. Regardless of tradition, judiciaries share aims of resolving disputes, protecting rights, and ensuring due process. Contemporary topics in the judiciary include access to justice, judicial reform, ethics and accountability, and transparency in proceedings and decision-making.