Judicial review is the process through which courts have the authority to interpret the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. This concept allows the judiciary to check the powers of the legislative and executive branches, ensuring that no law or action violates the constitutional framework. Through judicial review, courts can overrule decisions made by other branches, safeguarding rights and maintaining the rule of law in a political system. This function fosters a balance of power and protects individual liberties, as courts can act as a counterweight to potential abuses by the government.