What is meant by the "separation of powers"? This refers to the constitutional separation of the powers and responsibilities of the Legislature, the Judiciary and Executive. The Legislature is the body that makes the laws - the Parliament. The Judiciary is the body that interprets the laws and administers justice - the Judges and Courts. The Executive is the body that ensures that the laws are put into practice by administering Public Service departments - the Government Ministry. In Victorian Parliament, the Judiciary is a completely separate body but the Legislature and the Executive are not totally separate because the Executive is drawn from members of the Parliament and works within Parliament.