What is a primary role of the judicial branch of government?

The primary role of the judicial branch of government is to interpret laws and adjudicate disputes. This function is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that justice is administered fairly.

When laws are created by the legislative branch, it is up to the judiciary to interpret those laws in order to resolve conflicts, ensure compliance, and uphold constitutional principles. This involves hearing cases, issuing rulings, and interpreting statutes and regulations. Moreover, the judiciary protects individual rights by reviewing laws and government actions to ensure they do not violate constitutional guarantees. This role is foundational to the functioning of a democratic society, as it provides a check on the other branches of government and ensures that laws are applied consistently and impartially.

This understanding clarifies the significance of the judiciary in a balanced government structure where no single branch dominates the others. Other options describe roles better suited to different branches or functions of government; for instance, enforcing laws and creating laws are primarily responsibilities of the executive and legislative branches, respectively. Advising on international treaties also falls outside the judicial branch's core functions, as this task typically involves the executive branch, often in conjunction with the legislative branch during treaty ratification.