Justice
/ˈdʒʌs.tɪs/noun
The maintenance or administration of what is just, especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments.
Did you know?The term 'justice' is linked to the Roman goddess Justitia, often depicted blindfolded, symbolizing impartiality—an eerie reminder of how society judges right and wrong.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*yeu̯-
“to bring, to take, to convey—often associated with law and duty.”
Latin
Latin
iustitia
“righteousness, equity, from 'iustus' meaning just or lawful.”
Old French
Old French
justise
“equity, righteousness, derived from Latin 'iustitia'.”
Middle English
Middle English
justice
“fairness, moderation, or lawful conduct.”
Modern English
English
justice
“the principle of moral rightness or equity.”