Define judicial activism and judicial restraint
Judicial activism refers to the tendency of judges to interpret the law in a creative and flexible manner, using their own personal beliefs and values to influence their decisions. This approach allows judges to be more involved in shaping public policy by expanding or narrowing the scope of existing laws, and by basing their decisions on principles that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution or in existing statutes.
Judicial restraint, on the other hand, refers to the tendency of judges to limit their interpretation of the law to the text of the Constitution or existing statutes, without applying their personal beliefs or political ideologies. This approach emphasizes the role of judges as impartial interpreters of the law rather than policymakers, and requires them to defer to the elected branches of government whenever possible.