justice

noun

jus·​tice ˈjə-stəs How to pronounce justice (audio)
plural justices
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
meting out justice
social justice
b
: judge
especially : a judge of an appellate court or court of last resort (as a supreme court)
a supreme court justice
used as a title
Justice Marshall
c
: the administration of law
a fugitive from justice
especially : the establishment or determination of rights according to the rules of law or equity
a system of justice
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 observationsT. L. Peacock

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Criminal Justice Danielle Clark, Riverdale High: Natural leadership ability, dedication to her classes and commitment to club organizations like Skills USA Criminal Justice and JROTC led to Clark’s nomination and being the top vote-getter in the criminal justice category. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025 Ramaphosa, whose rise to the highest office was built on promises to fight corruption, has been under pressure to act swiftly as political parties and citizens said the allegations called into question the integrity of the criminal justice system. CNN Money, 14 July 2025 Criminal justice and voting rights advocates in Massachusetts are trying to potentially put a question on the 2028 ballot that would allow those serving prison time on felony convictions to vote in state elections while behind bars, according to State House News. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025 The boy's mother, Ashley Johnson, has since been arrested and charged with obstructing justice and failure to report a death, Afzal said. Liam Quinn, People.com, 14 July 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Justice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

justice

noun
jus·​tice ˈjəs-təs How to pronounce justice (audio)
1
: just conduct, management, or treatment
do justice to a book
2
b
: the administration of law
received justice in court
3
a
: the quality of being fair or just
b
: basis in morality, the right, or the law

Legal Definition

justice

noun
jus·​tice ˈjəs-təs How to pronounce justice (audio)
1
a
: 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 lawsScott 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
2
a
: 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 justiceG. 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
Etymology

Old French, from Latin justitia, from justus just

More from Merriam-Webster on justice

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