What is meant by Judicial Review?

Judicial review primarily involves the examination of decisions made by administrative bodies to ensure they comply with the law and principles of justice. This process allows courts to evaluate whether these decisions are lawful, reasonable, and within the authority of the governing body that made them. In British Columbia, judicial review acts as a critical mechanism to hold administrative bodies accountable for their actions and ensures that individuals have recourse if they believe that a decision adversely affects them without proper legal justification.

The significance of judicial review lies in its role in promoting the rule of law and safeguarding individual rights against potential arbitrary or unlawful actions by government entities. This function is essential in upholding democratic principles and ensuring that public officials act within the scope of their powers.

Other options do not accurately describe the concept of judicial review. For instance, the review of court decisions by higher courts pertains to the appellate process, while financial service regulations and tenancy agreements fall under specific regulatory or civil law issues rather than the broader concept of judicial review focused on administrative actions.