justice

noun

jus·tice | \ ˈjə-stəs

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 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 the 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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Synonyms & Antonyms for justice

Synonyms

equity, fair shake, right

Antonyms

inequity, injustice, raw deal, wrong

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 questions are especially freighted for Unitarian Universalists, members of a denomination dedicated to racial justice and yet at times beset by its own problems of diversity. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "’Black Lives Matter’ banners cost a California church its polling place. Now, it’s suing.," 11 June 2019 The summit, which occurs once a year, is meant for students interested in social justice, leadership and writing to connect with each other and accomplished writers, activists and elected officials, according to its website. — Laurel Deppen, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville teens are getting a big learning opportunity this summer: Trip to Puerto Rico," 11 June 2019 Duane Adams, 29, of Zion, was arrested and accused of obstructing justice, speeding and unauthorized lighting May 17 at 131st and LaGrange Road, police said. — Staff Report, Daily Southtown, "Southland crime: Oak Forest man accused of stealing vehicle from car wash in Tinley Park, more," 10 June 2019 Just one public high school in the city, Lincoln High, currently offers a stand-alone course dedicated to environmental justice. — Mike Seely, New York Times, "As Students Clamor for More on Climate Change, Portland Heeds the Call," 9 June 2019 He was later charged with aggravated murder, child kidnapping, two counts of obstructing justice, and abuse or desecration of a body. — Tiffany Diane Tso, refinery29.com, "Suspect In Death Of 5-Year-Old Elizabeth Shelley Charged With Child Rape," 7 June 2019 Here’s a brief review of some of the provisions and investments devoted to environmental justice. — David Roberts, Vox, "Oregon is poised to set a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a huge deal.," 5 June 2019 Someone needed to be brought to justice for what happened and Mr. Coughlin was going to be that someone. — John Spina, The Denver Post, "Trial underway in 2017 triple homicide in Coal Creek Canyon," 4 June 2019 Courage, temperance, justice, and intellectual contemplation can be found without an appeal to theistic revelation. — Sahil Handa, National Review, "Seeking a Way Out of Our Modern Malaise," 4 June 2019

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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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