Judicial Activism (Noun)
Meaning
An interpretation of the U.S. constitution holding that the spirit of the times and the needs of the nation can legitimately influence judicial decisions (particularly decisions of the Supreme Court).
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The conservative justices accused the liberal majority of engaging in judicial activism by interpreting the Constitution in a way that was not supported by its original text.
- Critics of the Supreme Court's decision argued that it was an example of judicial activism, as the justices had imposed their own policy preferences on the states.
- The concept of judicial activism has been used by politicians to criticize the Supreme Court for making decisions that they disagree with.
- Some scholars argue that judicial activism is necessary to ensure that the Constitution remains a living and breathing document that adapts to changing societal norms.
- The Supreme Court's decision to strike down state laws banning same-sex marriage was hailed by many as a progressive victory, but criticized by others as an example of judicial activism.