In a democratic system based on separation of powers, which branch of government is primarily responsible for interpreting laws and resolving legal disputes?

Introduction / Context:
Modern democracies often follow the principle of separation of powers, where government authority is divided among different branches to prevent concentration of power. Typically, these branches are the legislative, executive and judicial branches. This question asks which branch has the primary responsibility for interpreting laws and resolving disputes that arise under those laws.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- There are three basic branches: legislative, executive and judicial.
- Laws are usually made by the legislature, carried out by the executive, and interpreted by the judiciary.
- The question focuses on the core function of interpretation, not on making or enforcing laws.

Concept / Approach:
Under the doctrine of separation of powers, each branch has a primary function. The legislature makes laws, the executive implements laws, and the judiciary interprets laws and settles disputes. Courts clarify the meaning of statutes and constitutional provisions, and their interpretations can shape how laws are applied in practice. Therefore, the judicial branch is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the legislative branch is mainly responsible for drafting and passing laws. Step 2: Recognise that the executive branch is mainly responsible for implementing and enforcing those laws. Step 3: Recall that the judicial branch, consisting of courts, is responsible for interpreting what the laws mean and how they apply to specific cases. Step 4: Since the question is about interpreting laws, the judicial branch best fits the description. Step 5: Therefore, the correct option is the judicial branch.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of famous court decisions in your country. For example, when a Supreme Court decides whether a law is constitutional, it is exercising its power to interpret the law and the Constitution. Legislatures and executives may propose or support interpretations, but they do not have the final authoritative role that courts have in this area.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Legislative branch: Its primary duty is lawmaking, not legal interpretation in the judicial sense.
- Executive branch: It focuses on carrying out and administering laws rather than giving binding legal interpretations.
- All of the above: While all branches interact with laws, only the judicial branch has the primary and authoritative role of interpretation in most constitutional systems.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes think that because legislators debate the meaning of proposed legislation, they are interpreting laws. However, such discussion happens before a law is passed. Once it is passed, the courts interpret its meaning in concrete cases. Another pitfall is to assume that executives interpret laws when they issue orders, but these are subject to judicial review, which again shows the special interpretative role of the judiciary.

Final Answer:
In a system based on separation of powers, the judicial branch is primarily responsible for interpreting laws and resolving legal disputes.