Definition of JUSTICE (original) (raw)
1
a
: the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments
b
: judge
especially : a judge of an appellate court or court of last resort (as a supreme court)
—used as a title
Justice Marshall
c
: the administration of law
especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
2
a
: the quality of being just, impartial, or fair
questioned the justice of their decision
b(1)
: the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action
(2)
: conformity to this principle or ideal : righteousness
the justice of their cause
c
: the quality of conforming to law
3
: conformity to truth, fact, or reason : correctness
admitted that there was much justice in these observations—
T. L. Peacock
Synonyms
Examples of justice in a Sentence
They received justice in court. the U.S. Department of Justice criminals attempting to escape justice The role of the courts is to dispense justice fairly to everyone. She is a justice of the state supreme court. I saw no justice in the court's decision. We should strive to achieve justice for all people.
Recent Examples on the Web Locally, Harris County residents will decide the county's next district attorney and sheriff, both pivotal in shaping local law enforcement and criminal justice. —Shafaq Patel, Axios, 23 Sep. 2024 Lisha Gayle's family says the case is 'deeply and painfully personal' and that 'a grieving family still waits' for justice. —Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 23 Sep. 2024 In her decadeslong entertainment career, Jackson has been a vocal champion for social justice and has used her public platform and music to advocate for LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, and the Black Lives Matter movement. —Koh Ewe, TIME, 23 Sep. 2024 Matty’s targets are Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice; Olympia’s ex-husband/attorney Julian (Jason Ritter), and his father Julian Sr. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for justice 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'justice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French justise, from Latin justitia, from justus — see just entry 1
First Known Use
12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of justice was in the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near justice
Cite this Entry
“Justice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 26 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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