Judicial activism

Judicial activism is a judicial philosophy holding that courts can and should go beyond the applicable law to consider broader societal implications of their decisions. It is sometimes used as an antonym of judicial restraint. The term is usually used to imply that a judge makes rulings based on their own views rather than on precedent. The definition of judicial activism, and which specific decisions are considered activist, are controversial political issues. The question of judicial activism is closely related to judicial interpretation, statutory interpretation, and separation of powers.