What is the role of the judiciary in Canada’s government?

• A. To interpret and apply laws, settle disputes, and protect rights.
• B. To propose new laws to Parliament.
• C. To manage the budget.
• D. To interpret the laws and policies of the executive branch.

Answer: (D)

The judiciary’s role is to interpret and apply laws, settle disputes, and protect rights. Courts read the laws made by Parliament and decide how they should be applied in real situations, from individual cases to conflicts between groups or levels of government. They also defend people’s fundamental rights by enforcing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. An important part of this work is reviewing government actions to ensure they fit the Constitution; when something doesn’t, the judiciary can strike it down or require changes. This is different from proposing laws (that’s Parliament’s job) or managing the budget and day-to-day policy decisions (that’s the executive’s job).