justice

jus·tice | \ ˈjə-stəs

plural justices

Definition of justice

1a : 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

2a : 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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about justice

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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 The reform will affect people's interactions with the justice system from the time of arrest to probation. — Angie Jackson, Detroit Free Press, "Whitmer signs bills to curb license suspensions, dozens of criminal justice reforms," 5 Jan. 2021 Over the course of four decades, attorneys Laurie White and Robert Hjortsburg, have filed post-conviction motions in the Avoyelles Parish's justice system. — Christina Carrega, CNN, "This prisoner says he's been waiting 43 years for a fair trial in a racist Louisiana parish. A hearing may be his final chance," 5 Jan. 2021 And of course people like James Comey, Andrew McCabe, John Brennan destroyed the credibility of the FBI and our justice system as well. — Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, "Liberal Media Scream: Smug Chuck Todd to senator, ‘I’ve had enough of hearing this!’," 4 Jan. 2021 That ruling touches on press freedoms and the international reach of the U.S. justice system. — Ashley Shaffer, USA TODAY, "Did Trump break the law?," 4 Jan. 2021 And of course people like James Comey, Andrew McCabe, John Brennan destroyed the credibility of the FBI and our justice system as well. — NBC News, "Meet the Press - January 3, 2021," 3 Jan. 2021 The collectives’ existence is a testimony to Mexico’s national tragedy and the dysfunction of its justice system. — Wendy Fry, San Diego Union-Tribune, "In their own words: Parents talk about their endless search for Mexico’s missing," 30 Dec. 2020 But there is debate, even among those who agree with Zaman's central complaint of a double standard in the justice system, on whether such a law could cause more harm than good. — Andy Mannix, Star Tribune, "After mosque bombing, Twin Cities Muslims want new laws combating domestic terrorists," 29 Dec. 2020 Hankison’s charge and the absence of any charges for other officers who fired at Taylor during the incident led to many expressing disdain for the justice system. — Stephanie Toone, ajc, "5 stories on social justice that shook 2020," 29 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'justice.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

20 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Justice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice. Accessed 21 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for justice

justice

noun

English Language Learners Definition of justice

: the process or result of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes and criminals

US : a judge in a court of law

—used as a title for a judge (such as a judge of the U.S. Supreme Court)

See the full definition for justice in the English Language Learners Dictionary

justice

noun

jus·tice | \ ˈjəs-təs

Kids Definition of justice

1 : fair treatment Everyone deserves justice.

2 : judge entry 2 sense 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.

justice

noun

jus·tice | \ ˈjəs-təs

Legal Definition of justice

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

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