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Law vocabulary · Legal Systems & Sources of Law

Separation of powers

Meaning in law, with examples

nounCommon term

In law, separation of powers means: The principle that the power of the state is divided between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, so that no single branch controls everything.

In Turkish: kuvvetler ayrılığı, güçler ayrılığı

How it is used

A key idea in constitutional law, associated with the 18th-century French writer Montesquieu. Courts refer to it when they decide how far they can review government action. It is often paired with 'checks and balances', especially in American texts.

Example sentences

  1. The separation of powers means that judges should not make policy decisions for the government.

  2. Students often confuse the separation of powers with federalism.

Common collocations

  • the separation of powers
  • principle of the separation of powers
  • checks and balances
  • judiciaryAll the judges of a country considered as a group, and the branch of the state that interprets the law and decides cases.
  • legislatureThe elected body, such as a parliament or congress, that has the power to make, change and repeal laws.
  • constitutionThe basic set of laws and principles that sets up a state, organises its powers and protects the fundamental rights of its people.
  • rule of lawThe principle that everyone, including the government and officials, must follow the law, and that laws are applied fairly by independent courts.
  • public lawThe area of law that deals with the state and its relationship with individuals, including constitutional, administrative and criminal law.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Legal Systems & Sources of Law

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.