What does "judicial review" mean?

Judicial review refers to the power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of actions taken by the legislative and executive branches of government. This process allows the judiciary to ensure that laws and governmental actions do not violate the principles set forth in the constitution. By exercising judicial review, courts can invalidate laws or acts that are found to be unconstitutional, thereby protecting individual rights and maintaining the balance of power among branches of government. This fundamental principle plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is administered fairly and consistently according to constitutional standards.

The other options address separate legal concepts that do not encompass the broader function of judicial review. Re-sentencing convicted individuals pertains to post-conviction procedures, reviewing decisions made by appellate courts deals with the hierarchy of legal authority within judicial systems, and determining juror eligibility relates to jury selection, none of which directly reference the evaluation of constitutionality that characterizes judicial review.