What does "judicial review" enable the courts to do?

Judicial review is a critical power held by the courts, enabling them to assess the constitutionality of laws or government actions. This means that the judiciary has the authority to examine statutes and executive actions to determine whether they align with the principles set forth in the constitution. If a law or action is found to be unconstitutional, the courts can invalidate it, thereby protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law.

The function of judicial review is foundational to a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no branch of government exceeds its authority or acts contrary to the constitution. This oversight helps to ensure that laws are created and enforced within the framework of the country's legal and ethical standards.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of judicial review: evaluating the efficiency of judicial decisions relates to administrative procedures rather than constitutionality, overseeing legal aid programs pertains to access to justice instead of constitutional compliance, and determining public opinion on legal matters involves societal perceptions rather than legal evaluations grounded in constitutional review. Therefore, the focus on assessing the constitutionality of laws or government actions stands out as the essence of what judicial review allows the courts to do.