Which entity is responsible for interpreting laws in the English legal system?

In the English legal system, the judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws. The judiciary consists of judges and courts, which apply the law to specific cases and resolve disputes. This interpretation is crucial because laws can often be vague or ambiguous, leading to different potential outcomes. Judges interpret statutes, case law, and other legal materials to determine the meaning of the law in a way that is applicable to the cases before them.

This function of the judiciary ensures that laws are implemented consistently and fairly across the legal system. By interpreting the law, judges also create legal precedents that guide future decisions, contributing to the development of common law. The judiciary operates independently of the executive branch and Parliament, allowing it to interpret the law based on its merits rather than political considerations.

In contrast, Parliament is the institution that creates and passes legislation, while the executive branch administers and enforces the laws. The police support law enforcement but do not interpret laws; they enforce laws and ensure public order. Each of these entities has its distinct role in the legal system, but it is the judiciary that holds the authority to interpret the law.