Judicial activism

Judicial Activism is when judges decide to make new laws. Instead of following the laws that have already been written by other people, a judge can make a new law based on something that is happening in their court case - this is called Judicial Activism. It is kind of like when you get to do something special or go on a special trip when you've been really good or worked really hard. Judges are supposed to act as referees and make sure everyone is following the rules, but sometimes, if they think it is important enough, they can also write a new rule to make sure the people in the court case get a fair result.