Which statement best captures the role of the judiciary in interpreting and applying laws?

• A. The judiciary writes new laws
• B. The judiciary is above the law
• C. The judiciary interprets and applies the laws that govern us
• D. The judiciary only enforces decisions issued by the legislature

Answer: (C)

Courts interpret statutes and apply them to real-world cases. This captures what the judiciary does: they figure out what the laws mean and how they should be applied to specific situations, then issue decisions that govern how those laws are carried out. They don’t create new laws—that’s the legislature’s job—and they’re not above the law; they must operate within the Constitution and legal frameworks. They also don’t merely enforce whatever the legislature decides; their role includes interpreting the law, resolving disputes, and checking constitutionality when applicable.