Final answer:
. They differ from other branches of government by concentrating on individual cases' contexts and exercising judgment based on the application of the law.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unlike governors and legislatures, courts seek to evaluate cases based on the specifics of each situation.
They interpret the Constitution, laws, and select precedents to make decisions that may influence public policy, impacting social conflicts and individual rights.
The judicial process allows courts to focus more narrowly on the exact context of the individuals, groups, or issues affected by the decision, often leading to a unique form of policymaking through judicial rulings.
The U.S. Supreme Court and state supreme courts exert significant power in reviewing laws and actions of other branches, particularly when individuals or groups believe there has been a legal wrong.
This power of interpretation and application of laws enables courts to address very specific cases and, through their decisions, shape policy, even if the laws themselves vary across different states or jurisdictions.
It is important to note that while courts can shape policy, their power is limited to the cases they choose to hear, and they must work within the confines of existing legal precedents unless they find compelling reasons to establish new interpretations.
Individual judges may differ in their application of precedents, depending on their reading of the law and the Constitution.