What constitutes an appropriate role for the judiciary?

What constitutes an appropriate role for the judiciary? Some argue that courts have become too powerful and that judges legislate from the bench. What does it mean for a court to be an activist? What does it mean for a court to show judicial restraint? Although conservatives have long complained about the activism of liberal justices and judges, in recent years liberals have pointed out that conservative judges and justices are now more likely to overturn precedents and question the power of elected government institutions. Conservatives counter by saying they are simply returning to an older precedent that liberals had ignored. is the role of the concept of “activism” (perhaps judicial activism is just a term used to describe a court decision you disagree with)?

minimum of 700 words and citation with references