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, law

+dicLatinto say

+ialLatinrelating 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.