Final answer:
Conventions aren't laws but carry presumptive weight in judicial decisions, reflecting judicial discretion and policy influence. Judges rule on cases based on a range of factors like precedence and law variability across states. The decentralized judiciary can lead to disparities in legal application.
Step-by-step explanation:
Although conventions aren't codified laws, they do carry a court-recognized presumption of judicial consideration and of such influence as may be given them in the exercise of a judge's judicial discretion. This is an aspect of how the judiciary, particularly the U.S. Supreme Court, functions within the American legal system.
Nevertheless, court power is somewhat confined, as judges can only rule on cases that come before them and must rely on other branches of government for the enforcement of their decisions. In addition, judges are influenced by a variety of factors, including precedence, differing state laws, and public opinion, all of which can affect judicial decisions and the interpretation of laws.
Judges serve not only to apply the law but also to interpret it, setting important precedents that can influence public policy. This dual role of referencing existing laws and creating new interpretations makes the judiciary an influential policymaking body. Furthermore, the decentralized nature of the judiciary across the states can lead to disparities in how laws are applied and interpreted, which reflects the complex nature of the judicial system.