# justice

/ˈdʒəstəs/ (US) · /dʒˈʌstɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/justice
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. fairness

noun · CEFR B2

the quality of being fair and right in how you treat people.

For teachers: the principle of moral rightness; equity and fairness in the treatment of individuals.

- The protesters were marching to demand justice for the families who lost their homes.
- The philosopher argued that social justice cannot exist without a fundamental commitment to equal opportunity for all citizens.

### 2. the legal system

noun · CEFR B2

the system of laws and courts that punishes criminals and settles disagreements.

For teachers: the administration of law; the collective system of courts and judicial proceedings used to enforce legal standards.

- He spent ten years working in the criminal justice system as a lawyer.
- Reformers are calling for a complete overhaul of the juvenile justice system to focus more on rehabilitation than on punishment.

### 3. a judge

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a title for a judge, especially in a high court like the Supreme Court.

For teachers: a judicial officer; specifically, a judge of a supreme court or other high-level appellate court.

- The decision was written by Justice Roberts after weeks of deliberation.
- The newly appointed justice took her seat on the bench, prepared to hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of the new tax law.

## Examples

- The victims' families are still waiting for justice.
- The new law aims to improve social justice by ensuring equal access to education and healthcare for all citizens.
- The documentary argues that the criminal justice system often prioritizes procedural efficiency over the actual discovery of truth, leaving many marginalized defendants without adequate recourse.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.