judicial review

noun

1
2
: a constitutional doctrine that gives to a court system the power to annul legislative or executive acts which the judges declare to be unconstitutional

Examples of judicial review in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Trump’s attempt to use this centuries-old statute to conduct mass removals — outside of immigration law, with no hearings or judicial review — has been another authoritarian power grab posing grave threats to civil liberties and the rule of law. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025 The Florida Supreme Court has consistently held that executive clemency, including the initial question of whether to commute or carry out a death sentence, is at the sole discretion of the executive branch and not subject to the open government laws or judicial review. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025 Barrett concluded that a federal law meant to regulate the manufacture and distribution of new tobacco products also allows retailers who would sell the products to seek judicial review of an adverse FDA decision. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 20 June 2025 While the Justice Department argued that the president's emergency declaration could not be challenged by courts or state governors, the appeals court rejected that claim, asserting that such decisions are subject to judicial review. Martha McHardy Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for judicial review

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of judicial review was in 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Judicial review.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/judicial%20review. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

judicial review

noun
1
: review
2
: a constitutional doctrine that gives to a court system the power to annul legislative or executive acts which the judges declare to be unconstitutional
also : the process of using this power see also checks and balances, Marbury v. Madison

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