Definition of JUSTICES (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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
There was no murder; there was something closer to justice. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 Issues important to him include criminal justice reform and advocating for affordable housing. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024 Meanwhile, Democrats are fighting to maintain a razor-thin majority in the state House, other key roles of representation locally and in D.C. are in play, and races down the ballot will decide leadership in the realms of education and justice. —Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024 But amid the stories of destruction and despair, the film also promises a vision of a better world, of a future where Israelis and Palestinians, like the directors of this documentary, can work together towards justice and freedom. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for justice 
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 19 Nov. 2024.
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Last Updated: 13 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences
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