judicial review

noun

1
: review sense 5
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Thursday, Pittman stated that personnel matters of public agencies, such as local school districts, do not rise to the level of federal judicial review. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Appeals could stretch the timeline If Louis certifies the extradition, the Tate brothers can ask for judicial review. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 The Supreme Court has just said that such actions are not subject to judicial review. — Dara Lind, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 After a judicial review, Mitchell’s sentence was increased by two years and seven months to a total of nine years and three months on Tuesday, July 28, per the release. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 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

Rhymes for judicial review

See All Rhymes for judicial review

Browse Nearby Words

judicial process
judicial review
judicial sequestration
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Cite this Entry

“Judicial review.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/judicial%20review. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on judicial review

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about judicial review

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