Judicial Review, For the People, By the People.
Judicial review is a function of our government that is carried out by the judicial branch, namely, the Supreme Court. These nine justices have the power to decide whether or not a law is constitutional. Some might say that because these persons were not elected, their route into office contradict the democratic principles that this country strives so hard to achieve, yet, these same justices were appointed by the very people, we did elect into office. However indirect these elections may seem, the judges that serve us were chosen on the behalf of those that we elected with the notion that they would surround themselves with advisors, judges included, who held the same beliefs and political views. Thus, these judges have been chosen by the people, as all high ranking officials ought to be, in a democratic government. .
Judges who sit on the Supreme Court or any court within the Federal legal system hold the office for life, barring poor behavior. This also means that unlike the other branches of government which are rotated regularly, the justices see many terms come and go. This experience gives them an advantage over those politicians who haven't lived long enough to see the way certain ideas and impending laws paned out. A good judge can be the perfect offset to an overzealous politician, whose radical views may be perfect for the time, but someone with enough experience can foresee a longer range impact, that might shed new light on the situation. In addition, most politicians involved in either the legislative or executive branch act in accordance with the majority of the people's opinion at the time, this is to ensure their re-election. However, because judges can potentially serve in office for as long as their life permits, their decisions can be solely based on democratic principles and those ideals stated in the Constitution.
