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No, they can only apply it and interpret it. Even the Supreme Court is only capable of finding a law Constitutional or Unconstitutional. Only the Legislature can make, or change laws. ==A Different Perspective== The courts cannot change statutory or constitutional law, except to the extent that "interpreting" a statute or the Constitution changes it. Interpretation does change the law. Until Miranda v. Arizona, police did not have to warn suspects in custody of their rights. Until Mapp v. Ohio, the 4th Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, didn't apply to the States. The current Court's 6th Amendment jurisprudence is a good example. Constitutional criminal procedure has changed significantly while the 6th Amendment remains unchanged. Politicians and courts play a game that sets up strict divisions that are not truly existent. Despite what the separation of powers provision of the Constitution says, the practical effect of being able to "interprete" a statute is being able to change the law. Whenever the court interpretes the law it changes it. The court tells us what the Constitution means. Through the act of interpreting statutes it is the Court that brings the law to life. In discussions regarding courts changing the law, the Common Law is often forgotten. Courts can and do change Common Law, which they created in the first place, where that law has not been codified.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe US Supreme Court is not a legislative body (like Congress), and does not enact (or pass) laws; however, their decisions carry the rule of law, and may alter lower court decisions. Law made by judicial interpretation is called common law.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoNO____ but they did today 06/28/2012
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How do courts adjust to change in administration?
The courts don't really change to adjust when there is a new administration. The law is the law unless something major changes. Judges are not supposed to rule on their own personal feelings. They go based on the law.
When was Law Courts of Brussels created?
Law Courts of Brussels was created in 1883.
When was Victoria Law Courts created?
Victoria Law Courts was created in 1891.
Is it the congress or supreme cournt who make the county laws?
Congress, but the courts can change the law through rulings.
What court uses admirality law?
Admiralty law courts were civil law courts, rather than common law.
What is the body of law created by the courts called?
The body of law created by the courts is called a statute. This is a very important type of law.
Can lower courts reverse or change US Supreme Court decisions?
No. Rulings of the US Supreme Court are 'the law of the land.'
Which type of courts handle cases for county law violations?
(country courts)
What is the Body of law created by the courts?
Statutory law
What is the courts job?
The courts job is to see if people have broken the law
Statue often found on top of law courts?
The statue of 'Lady Justice' often found on top of law courts.
When can a court interpret a law?
The courts interpret a law when the meaning, application, or constitutionality of a law is part of a case before the court. Appellate courts are more likely to be called upon to interpret laws than trial courts.
