The primary function of the judiciary is to ______

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the primary (main) function of the judiciary, one of the three arms of government.

2. Explain the concept Nigeria operates the separation of powers, which divides government into three arms:

| Arm | Main function | |---|---| | Legislature | Makes laws (National Assembly) | | Executive | Executes or implements laws (President, Governors, Ministries) | | Judiciary | Interprets laws and settles disputes (Courts, Judges) |

3. Step-by-step solution

• B. Make laws is the function of the legislature, so it is wrong.
• D. Execute laws is the function of the executive, so it is wrong.
• C. Regulate behaviour is a general aim of all laws and government. It is not the specific, primary function of the judiciary, so it is wrong.
• A. Interpret laws is correct. The courts examine the meaning of laws, apply them to cases, settle disputes, and punish offenders. The judiciary also uses this power to review whether laws or actions are constitutional.

4. Answer The correct option is A. interpret laws.

5. Exam tip Remember "L-E-J" = "Make – Execute – Interpret":

• Legislature → Laws made
• Executive → Executes
• Judiciary → Judges/interprets

When you see "judiciary" in a question, think of courts, judges, and interpretation of the law.