Judicial Activism Vs. Judicial Restraint

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Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint When one begins to discuss the relationship between judicial activism and judicial restraint, the individual must understand that these to ideologies are extremely different and are located at the opposite ends of the spectrum when considering the issue of what the Constitution deems is the proper interpretation of that of a Supreme Court Justice. According to the “Government in America” textbook judicial activism can be best described as, a judicial philosophy in which judges make bold decisions, even charting new constitutional ground. While judicial restraint can be best defined as, a judicial philosophy in which judges play minimal policy making roles, leaving that duty strictly to the legislatures. As anyone can gather these philosophies are in direct correlation with whether a judge is a an advocate of “loose construction” or if he/she is a supporter of the “textualist” theory. A judicial activist will be more likely to use “loose construction” because it provides the judge to use his own implementation on an issue while, for lack of better word, “manipulating” the Constitution in his favor. While conversely, a judge who uses judicial restraint will be likely to use the “textualist” theory because it strictly abides to the Constitution, the guidelines of life. They are both equally necessary to the judicial system mainly because they both provide a liberal and a conservative view on an issue. In addition, judicial activism can correct pressing needs especially those unmet by the majoritarian policy. By providing both opinions on an issue, it can appease the public knowing that they’re party is supporting their beliefs and it leads to awareness amongst the American people on an issue, which can only benefit the nation if the public is
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