👉 The courts' weapon, often referred to as the judicial branch's power of judicial review, is a critical mechanism that allows courts to examine and invalidate laws or governmental actions deemed unconstitutional. This power, established in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison (1803), ensures that no branch of government operates beyond the bounds of the Constitution, maintaining a system of checks and balances. By interpreting the Constitution and striking down legislation or executive orders that contravene its provisions, the courts uphold the rule of law and protect individual rights and liberties. This judicial oversight is fundamental to preserving democratic governance and preventing the concentration of power in any single branch of government.
