justice

play

noun jus·tice \ˈjəs-təs\

Simple Definition of justice

: the process or result of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes and criminals
: a judge in a court of law
Justice —used as a title for a judge (such as a judge of the U.S. Supreme Court)

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

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 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 b (1) : the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action (2) : conformity to this principle or ideal : righteousness c : the quality of conforming to law
3 : conformity to truth, fact, or reason : correctness

See justice defined for English-language learners

See justice defined for kids

Middle English, from Anglo-French justise, from Latin justitia, from justus

First Known Use: 12th century

play

noun jus·tice \ˈjəs-təs\

1 : fair treatment <Everyone deserves justice.>
2 : ²judge 1
3 : the process or result of using laws to fairly judge people accused of crimes
4 : the quality of being fair or just <They were treated with justice.>

play

noun jus·tice \ˈjəs-təs\

1a : the quality of being just, impartial, or fair <it is not the province of the court to decide upon the justice or injustice…of these laws — Scott v. Sanford, 60 U.S. 393 (1857)> b : the principle or ideal of just dealing; also : conformity to the principle or ideal of just dealing
2a : the administration of law <a fugitive from justice>; especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to law or equity <system of justice> b : fair, just, or impartial legal process <courts or tribunals…for the administration of international justice — G. R. Winters>
3 : judge; especially : a judge of an appellate court or court of last resort (as a supreme court) <insults to particular justices and threats of civil disobedience were bandied freely — R. H. Bork>