“Judicial activism” refers to an approach where judges interpret the law in a way that reflects broader social and political goals, often expanding civil rights or addressing societal issues through rulings. Advocates of judicial activism believe that the judiciary should take an active role in protecting individual freedoms and ensuring justice, even if it means deviating from strict interpretations of the law. This approach can lead to significant changes in policy and legal frameworks and is often contrasted with judicial restraint, which emphasizes limited judicial intervention in policy matters.