The judicial organ of government is the body which _________

1. Analyze the question The question asks about the main function of the judicial organ (the judiciary), one of the three arms of government.

2. Explain the concept Government has three organs, each with its own role:

| Organ | Main function | |---|---| | Legislature | Makes the law | | Executive | Implements (enforces) the law | | Judiciary | Interprets the law and settles disputes |

The judiciary consists of the courts and judges. They study the laws made by the legislature, decide what those laws mean, and apply them to individual cases. They also settle disputes between citizens, between citizens and government, and between different levels of government.

3. Work through the options

• A. Implements the law: This is the job of the executive (the President, Governors, ministries and agencies). Wrong.
• B. Makes the law: This is the job of the legislature (the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly). Wrong.
• C. Punishes lawbreakers: Courts do pass sentences, but this is only part of the process of applying the law. Prisons and the police, which belong to the executive, carry out the punishment. It is not the best description of the judiciary's role. Wrong.
• D. Interprets the law: This is the core function of the judiciary. Correct.

4. Answer The judicial organ is the body which interprets the law, so the correct option is D.

5. Exam tip Remember the three arms with the pattern "Make – Implement – Interpret":

• Legislature → Law-making
• Executive → Enforcing/implementing
• Judiciary → Judging/interpreting

If you see "interprets" in a JAMB Government question, think of the judiciary straight away.