a wavelike contraction that propels the contents of tubular organs, for example, the intestine, stomach, and ureters, caudally in animals or in a downward direction in man. Peristalsis is the result of many coordinated contractions of the longitudinal and transverse muscles in the walls of a tubular organ.
Judicial review is important in the US government because it serves as a check on the other branches of government. Judicial review is the power established through the landmark supreme court case Marbury v. Madison. It allows a higher court to review cases with questionable constitutionality. It also allows the supreme court to rule acts of Congress or of the President as unconstitutional and have them removed.
However, the judiciary does make common law, setting precedent for other courts to follow. This branch of the state is often tasked with ensuring equal justice under law. In many jurisdictions the judicial branch has the power to change laws through the process of judicial review. Courts with judicial review power, may annul the laws and rules of the state when it finds them incompatible with a higher norm, such as primary legislation, the provisions of the constitution or international law.