What does judiciary mean?
The judiciary is the body of courts and judicial officers responsible for interpreting the law and administering justice. In many countries it is formally one of the principal branches of government, alongside the legislature and executive, although the precise constitutional relationship varies. The word can denote the institutional system as a whole or, collectively, the judges who serve within it. It is especially associated with judicial independence, due process, and the principle that disputes should be resolved through courts rather than by force or unilateral political action. Although some countries describe the judiciary as a separate branch of government, others present it as part of the wider system of government. The term is therefore broader than an individual judge and narrower than the entire legal profession, since it primarily concerns courts and those exercising judicial authority.
nounThe judiciary is the system of courts and the judges who administer justice and interpret the law. It may also refer collectively to judges or judicial officers.
- The system of courts and judicial institutions responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.
- The judges and judicial officers of a country considered collectively.
"The judiciary upheld the constitutional right to freedom of expression."
"The judiciary must remain independent from political influence."
"Several senior members of the judiciary attended the ceremony."
Used mainly for the judicial systems of different countries or jurisdictions.
"The constitutions of the two countries protect the independence of their respective judiciaries."
From the Latin for a legal proceeding, the judiciary began with the idea of speaking the law—and its authority depends on being able to say what the law means.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does judiciary come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin judicium, meaning “judicial proceeding” or “judgment,” derived from judex, “judge.” The Latin root is associated with ius, “law” or “right,” and dicere, “to say,” reflecting the idea of declaring or applying law. English acquired the word during the Middle English period, when “judiciary” initially referred to a court or judicial procedure before developing its modern institutional sense.
Related word forms
How judiciary is actually used
When referring to the institutional branch of government, the definite article is normally used: “the judiciary.” In systems where courts are formally separate from other government branches, the term also emphasizes institutional independence.