The judiciary is the system of courts and judges that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state. It is one of the three branches of government, alongside the executive and legislative branches, tasked with upholding justice and ensuring the rule of law. The judiciary has the authority to adjudicate disputes, oversee legal proceedings, and ensure that laws are applied fairly and impartially. It plays a critical role in protecting individual rights and freedoms, enforcing laws, and resolving conflicts between individuals or between individuals and the government. Additionally, the judiciary has the power of judicial review, allowing it to assess the constitutionality of laws and actions taken by the legislative and executive branches. The structure of the judiciary can vary by jurisdiction, often consisting of various levels of courts, including trial courts, appellate courts, and supreme courts.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer retires after a distinguished 15-year career in the First Judicial District Court of New Mexico. Her tenure impacted the communities of Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and…