What does "judicial" mean?

1. (relating to courts and judges) related to the legal system, the work of judges, or the administration of justice. 2. (careful and critical) showing very careful thought or judgment, often when criticizing something. 3. (the branch of government) the part of a government that includes the courts and judges.

How do you use "judicial"?

Often used in fixed phrases like 'judicial system', 'judicial review', or 'judicial branch'. Usually functions as a collective noun; 'the judiciary' is more frequent in general-service English.

judicial — meaning, definition & examples

Word

01relating to courts and judges

B2 · Upper Intermediate Law

adj. related to the legal system, the work of judges, or the administration of justice.

adj. pertaining to the judiciary, the administration of justice, or the functions of a judge.

“The country's judicial system is independent from the political leaders.”

“The supreme court exercised its power of judicial review to determine whether the new legislation was consistent with constitutional principles.”

Usage

Often used in fixed phrases like 'judicial system', 'judicial review', or 'judicial branch'.

Synonyms

legaljuridical

Antonyms

executive legislative

02careful and critical

C1 · Advanced Formal

adj. showing very careful thought or judgment, often when criticizing something.

adj. characterised by or expressing careful judgment or critical evaluation.

“The critic gave a judicial assessment of the new play.”

“A judicial mind is required to weigh the conflicting evidence presented in such a complex historical debate.”

Teaching tip

In modern English, 'judicious' is more common for 'wise/sensible', while 'judicial' usually stays strictly within legal contexts.

Synonyms

judicious critical discerning

Antonyms

hasty biased

03the branch of government

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal

n. the part of a government that includes the courts and judges.

n. the branch of government responsible for maintaining the courts of law and the administration of justice.

“The power of the judicial is balanced by the power of the president.”

“The independence of the judicial is a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that the law is applied without political interference.”

Usage

Usually functions as a collective noun; 'the judiciary' is more frequent in general-service English.

Synonyms

judiciary

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “judicial” in context.

Verb

01. exercise judicial discretion

“The judge exercised judicial discretion when deciding to give the first-time offender a lighter sentence.”

verb + adj + noun

02. undergo judicial scrutiny

“The new emergency laws will undergo judicial scrutiny to determine if they are constitutional.”

verb + adj + noun

Adjective

03. strictly judicial

“The committee's role is strictly judicial and does not involve creating new legislation.”

adv + adj

Noun

04. judicial review

“The environmental group applied for a judicial review of the government's decision to build the new highway.”

adj + noun

05. judicial independence

“Maintaining judicial independence is crucial for a healthy democracy to prevent political interference in court rulings.”

adj + noun

06. judicial oversight

“The intelligence services must operate under strict judicial oversight to ensure they do not violate civil liberties.”

adj + noun

07. judicial system

“The country is undergoing a major reform of its judicial system to reduce the backlog of pending cases.”

adj + noun

“While the cases were initially dismissed by a state court judge, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court revived the suits last fall.”

BBC News 19 Aug 2026

“Kuntz said Florida judicial ethics rules had not required him to step aside from the case, and he was only contacted by the White House after he had given his legal opinion.”

BBC News 18 Aug 2026