Constitutionality of Law

Constitutionality

The process of determining whether a law aligns with the constitution.

Higher Law / Basic Law

Terms used to refer to constitutions, denoting their supreme or fundamental legal status within a country.

Amendment of Constitution

The process by which constitutions can and should be changed to reflect evolving societal needs.

Judicial Role in Legality

The judiciary's responsibility to interpret laws and ensure they do not contravene constitutional principles.

Dispute Resolution Between Government Organs

The function of judges acting as referees in conflicts among various branches of government.

Devolution

The transfer of powers from a central government to local or regional administrations, as seen in the UK with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Legislative Intent

What the legislature intended when enacting a law, which courts must often decipher.

Strict Textualists

A method of judicial interpretation where judges adhere closely to the exact language of the law.

Intent-Based Interpretations

A method of judicial interpretation where judges consider legislative debates and testimonies to determine the true intentions behind a law.

Judicial Tenure

The period for which a judge holds office, such as lifetime appointments for federal judges in the U.S., designed to ensure independence.

Impeachment Process

The mechanism in place for removing judges who commit illegal acts or corruption.

Politicization of Judicial Appointments

The concern that judicial appointments become overly influenced by political considerations, often addressed by proposed reforms like bipartisan agreements or changes in the number of justices.