What is the term for the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional?

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The term for the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional is judicial review. This principle was established in the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison in 1803. Judicial review allows the judiciary to evaluate the actions of the legislative and executive branches and ensure that they conform to the Constitution. It serves as a check on governmental power, ensuring that no law or executive action can supersede the supreme law of the land. This concept underscores the importance of an independent judiciary in maintaining the balance of power among the branches of government and protecting individual rights.

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