Under Charter 24(1), what power is granted to the courts?

The correct choice highlights the essential role that courts play in a democratic society, particularly in holding government entities accountable for their actions and potential abuses of power. Under Charter 24(1), courts are endowed with the power to review the actions of the government and ensure that those actions are consistent with legal principles and rights as laid out in the constitution or relevant legal frameworks. This function is critical as it serves as a check on governmental power, ensuring that officials do not exceed their authority and that citizens’ rights are protected.

By having the ability to review government actions, courts can intervene when necessary—such as in cases of unlawful actions, violation of constitutional rights, or overreach of authority. This judicial oversight is fundamental to maintaining the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and promoting justice within the governance system, reinforcing the principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law.

The other options do not capture the specific role of the courts under Charter 24(1). Reforming legal systems or creating new laws falls largely within the legislative domain and requires broader public and political engagement. The right to impose mandatory sentencing is typically a function of legislative action rather than judicial power, which involves interpretation and application of existing laws rather than creating new policy.