"Historically, the judicial branch has often been the sole protector of the rights of minority groups against the will of the popular majority"

This quote by Diane Watson speaks to the importance of the judicial branch in protecting the rights of minority groups. Historically, the judicial branch has actually been the only branch of federal government that has been willing to stand up to the popular majority and safeguard the rights of minority groups. This is because the judicial branch is exempt to the same political pressures as the other branches of federal government. The judicial branch is able to make choices based upon the law and the Constitution, instead of on popular opinion. This has allowed the judicial branch to be a powerful protector of the rights of minority groups, even when the popular majority is against them. This quote functions as a reminder of the value of the judicial branch in protecting the rights of all citizens, no matter their race, gender, or other minority status.