judiciary
judiciary Lexical Profile
judiciary Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The branch of government and system of courts responsible for interpreting and applying the law in the name of the state.
"An independent judiciary is essential for upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutional rights."
The judges and magistrates of a country, state, or jurisdiction considered collectively.
"Members of the federal judiciary are appointed for life to insulate them from political pressure."
• adjective
Of, relating to, or characteristic of law courts, judges, or the administration of justice.
"The Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled a formal hearing to question the nominee."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'judiciary' can function as an adjective in titles such as 'Judiciary Committee,' 'judicial' is the standard adjective used in most general contexts (e.g., 'judicial review' or 'judicial system').
• Rhymes for judiciary
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin 'iudiciarius' ('of or belonging to a court of justice'), derived from 'iudicium' ('judgment, court') and 'iudex' ('judge').