justice

Everyday

1. Justice is fairness: treating people in a fair and right way. tree →
2. Justice is the system of laws, courts and punishments that a country uses to deal with crimes. tree →
3. A justice is a judge, especially in a high court; a Justice of the Peace is a local judge. tree →
4. «Do something justice» or «do justice to» means show it as well as it deserves. tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship lessons pupils discuss justice, fairness and the law. In stories heroes fight for justice and villains are «brought to justice» (caught and punished). In everyday life, «this photo doesn't do you justice» means you look better in real life. Phrases: bring to justice, justice system, social justice, do justice to.

Examples

• Everyone deserves justice and fair treatment. tree →
• The police brought the robbers to justice. tree →
• The hero wanted justice for his village. tree →
• The photo doesn't do justice to the beautiful view. tree →
• Martin Luther King fought for justice for all people. tree →
• The justice system includes police, courts and prisons. tree →
• The Justice read out the court's decision. tree →
• "And he shall have justice!" said the third. tree →

Note

Uncountable for fairness: «justice», not «a justice». Opposite: injustice. Adjective: just (fair). Do not confuse with «judge» or «jury»: the judge and jury work to give justice.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah justice means fairness in the law, especially toward the weak: strangers, orphans and widows.

Interpretation. "Justice, justice shall you pursue" is a famous command. Commentators ask why the word is repeated and say it means pursuing justice only by just means, and always.

Examples

• Cursed be he that perverteth the justice due to the stranger, fatherless, and widow. (Torah DEU.27.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• He doth execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. (Torah DEU.10.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Justice, justice shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Torah DEU.16.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• Or doth the Almighty pervert justice? (Writings JOB.8.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. (Writings PRO.8.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• To receive the discipline of wisdom, justice, and right, and equity; (Writings PRO.1.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable for fairness: «justice», not «a justice». Opposite: injustice. Adjective: just (fair). Do not confuse with «judge» or «jury»: the judge and jury work to give justice.