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 observations—
T. L. Peacock
T. L. PeacockExamples 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
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by FBI agents last week, charged with obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent an arrest.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Matt Hunsaker, who was 10 years old when his mother was killed, said Friday that his family is overwhelmed with emotion to know that justice will finally be served.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Student clubs for everything from social justice to dog walking can be found on college campuses.
—Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
The evening will feature performances by the Martha Graham Dance Company and the iconic Lorna Luft, who’ll be recognized for her lifelong dedication to the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and justice.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for justice
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Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Matt Hunsaker, who was 10 years old when his mother was killed, said Friday that his family is overwhelmed with emotion to know that justice will finally be served.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Student clubs for everything from social justice to dog walking can be found on college campuses.
—Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
The evening will feature performances by the Martha Graham Dance Company and the iconic Lorna Luft, who’ll be recognized for her lifelong dedication to the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and justice.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for justice
Cite this Entry
“Justice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
justice
noun
jus·tice
ˈjəs-təs 
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
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 laws—Scott v. Sanford, 60 U.S. 393 (1857)
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
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 justice—G. R. Winters
G. R. Winters3
: 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
R. H. Bork Etymology
Old French, from Latin justitia, from justus just
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