Judicial Activism: Judicial activism refers to a judicial philosophy where judges are more willing to interpret laws broadly, apply constitutional principles creatively to address societal issues, and sometimes make rulings that expand rights or impose obligations beyond traditional interpretations.
Judicial Restraint: Judicial restraint is a judicial philosophy that advocates for judges to exercise caution in interpreting laws narrowly, adhering closely to the text and original intent of statutes and constitutions. Restraint-oriented judges prioritize legal precedents, defer to elected branches of government on policy matters, and avoid expansive interpretations or innovations in the law.