rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: ius
Latin

ius

right or law

Forms

  • ius
  • iur- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
  • jur- — Later spelling used j for the consonant sound of i.

Origin

An ancient Latin word for what is right or legally recognized; its deepest origin is uncertain.

Note

The change from s to r belongs to Latin's sound history, not a change in the idea of law.

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adjective

judicial

joo-DISH-ul/dʒuˈdɪʃl/

Relating to courts or the administration of justice.

The judicial system gives both sides a chance to present evidence.

A robed judge presides behind a raised courtroom bench while an attorney stands at a lower lectern facing him, making the judicial setting immediately recognizable.
Etymology
juLatinright or law
+dicLatinsay, declare, state
+ialLatinof, relating to

The law-and-speaking roots describe a judge as someone who declares the law. Through the associated word for a judgment or court, judicial came to describe matters belonging to courts and their decisions.

In context

Bill of Rights Institute2:48
Judicial interpretation is the process by which judges understand and apply the law to specific cases.
Precedent and the Supreme Court | Government & Politics: Civics for the American Experiment

More examples

  • The agency's decision is subject to judicial review.
  • She works to protect judicial independence.
  • The committee reviews candidates for judicial appointments.

Forms

judicial

judicially adverb — Through courts or by a judge.

judiciary noun — The judges and courts of a government.

Similar words

legal
Covers law generally, not just courts and their activities.