2.9 Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch

• The legitimacy of the judicial branch stems from its authority and acceptance by the public and other branches of government
• Public acceptance is a key source of the judicial branch's legitimacy.
• The judicial branch derives its legitimacy from judicial review, public acceptance, expertise, and impartiality
• Judicial review is essential for establishing the legitimacy of the judicial branch.
• High public trust bolsters the judicial branch's authority, but political polarization can reduce its perceived legitimacy
• Order the factors that influence public opinion on the judicial branch:

  1️⃣ Constitutional integrity

  2️⃣ Political polarization

  3️⃣ High-profile cases
• Match the source of judicial legitimacy with its explanation:

  Judicial Review ↔️ Interpreting laws and constitutional provisions

  Public Acceptance ↔️ Trust and respect for court decisions

  Expertise ↔️ Legal knowledge and experience of judges

  Impartiality ↔️ Ensuring fairness and lack of bias
• Judicial review ensures laws align with the Constitution
• Political polarization can erode public trust in the judicial branch.
• Judicial independence is crucial for maintaining the legitimacy of the judicial branch.
• Match the mechanism of judicial independence with its explanation:

  Security of Tenure ↔️ Judges appointed for life or long terms

  Salary Protection ↔️ Guaranteed salaries prevent manipulation

  Political Interference Protection ↔️ Clear rules prevent undue influence
• Critics of judicial independence argue that life tenure can make judges unresponsive to societal changes