Regarding the Articles of Confederation, what was a critical issue related to judicial power?

The critical issue related to judicial power under the Articles of Confederation was the absence of a national judiciary. This lack of a centralized judicial system meant that there was no mechanism to interpret or enforce laws at the national level, leading to significant challenges in resolving disputes between states or ensuring uniform application of laws across the newly formed nation.

Without a national judiciary, states operated under their own laws and interpretations, which could lead to conflicts and inconsistencies. The inability to adjudicate matters between states or enforce national treaties contributed to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and highlighted the need for a stronger federal government, ultimately leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 where the current U.S. Constitution was drafted.

This historical context underscores why the absence of a national judiciary was seen as a critical issue in governance during the period of the Articles of Confederation.