What principle is our legal system based on?

• A. The legislature holds ultimate power over courts
• B. That an independent, fair, and competent judiciary will interpret and apply the laws that govern us
• C. The executive branch directly writes judicial opinions
• D. Judges should be influenced by public opinion

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the judiciary must be independent, fair, and competent to interpret and apply the laws. Our legal system relies on judges who decide cases based on statutes, constitutional provisions, and precedent, not on political pressure or the desires of other branches. This independence protects due process and equal justice under the law. If the legislature had ultimate control over the courts, if the executive wrote judicial opinions, or if judges were swayed by public opinion, impartial decision-making and consistent interpretations of the law would be compromised.