27.

Discuss the functions of the Judiciary in the modern political systems. 

The functions of the Judiciary in the modern political systems are mentioned below: 

i. Judicial Functions: Firstly, when a dispute is brought before a court, it is the responsibility of the court to 'determine the facts' involved. The usual manner in which the courts determine the facts is through evidence given by the contestants. Once the facts have been established, the court proceeds to decide what law is applicable to a particular controversy or circumstance. Herein the judiciary becomes the interpreter of laws, which is the prime function of the judiciary. So the major task of the judiciary is to 'determine' the facts of laws and to apply them to particular circumstance.

ii. Law-making Functions: Secondly, the judiciary while interpreting the existing laws also performs the role of lawmaker. It may sound surprising, but 'judge-made' laws are common to all systems of jurisprudence. Such occasions arise when the provisions of the existing laws may be ambiguous, or sometimes two or more laws of a particular government appear to be in conflict under a given circumstance.

Herein the judiciary plays an important role in determining what the law is and when two laws apparently conflict, which shall prevail. For instance, the enunciation of the 'Doctrine of Implied Powers' by the U.S. Judiciary proved conducive to the growth of the federal government's power. However, the phraseology of the original U.S. Constitution did not provide such enormous power of the Federal Government. In this context, we fully realize the prime importance of the judiciary.

iii. Guardianship of the Constitution: Thirdly, in federal States like India, the U.S.A. and Switzerland, the judiciary is the guardian of the Constitution. Chief Justice Hughes of America once said, "We are under a union but the Constitution is what the judges say it is".

In federal States conflict in jurisdiction and authority frequently occurs, as there are several law making and executive authorities, each showing its power to the Constitution. In the circumstances, the judiciary becomes the umpire and regulates the legal actions of the States and Central governments.

In case the laws made by any of these law-making bodies conflict with the constitutional provisions, the judiciary in the above mentioned States is empowered to declare the relevant legislation illegal. Indian courts on several occasions have declared laws of the Union as well as the State laws illegal.

iv. Advisory Jurisdiction: Fourthly, some national judiciaries possess advisory jurisdiction. For instance, the President of India may seek the advice of the Supreme Court of India on any proposed legislation. However, there is no such provision in the U.S.A. The Canadian Supreme Court is also obliged under constitutional provisions to tender advice to the Governor General.

v. Protector of the Fundamental Rights: Fifthly, the judiciaries also act as the defenders of the individual's right. Such role of the judiciary is important as it prevents the individual's rights from being violated. An individual need not wait until harm is done to him. If he had, sufficient reasons to believe that attempts would be made to violate his 'rights' he could approach the courts for protection.

Then the courts would issue orders prohibiting such attempts until the rights of the parties were determined. Judiciary is the watchdog of rights and liberties of the people. In India, the Supreme Court is empowered to protect the Fundamental Rights of the citizens.

vi. Supervisory Function: Sixthly, higher courts are often assigned the task of supervision over the lower courts. The Indian High Courts are responsible for the supervision of their respective state judicial systems.

vii. Non-Judicial Function: Lastly, the judiciary in some countries may perform a number of non-judicial functions. Courts may undertake the administration of property in cases where the ownership of property in question is in dispute. Courts also assume responsibility for handling the affairs of minor children or lunatics. Courts may be authorized to issue and cancel certain licenses. Courts also may be authorized to grant citizenship to aliens.