Meaning & use
in pursuit of justice
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Meanings
phrasefixed phraseformal
Trying to achieve fairness, especially by finding the truth or punishing wrongdoing.
Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase after verbs such as act, work or fight: They acted in pursuit of justice.
Patterns
- act in pursuit of justice
- work in pursuit of justice
- in the pursuit of justice
The lawyers said they were acting in pursuit of justice for the victims.
She spent her career in pursuit of justice for people who could not afford legal help.
The documentary follows a journalist in pursuit of justice after a wrongful conviction.
phrasefixed phraseformal
The ongoing effort to make a fair society or correct a wrong.
Grammar: Often used as a noun-like phrase after 'in the': progress in the pursuit of justice.
Patterns
- in the pursuit of justice
- a step in the pursuit of justice
The new law was seen as a step in the pursuit of justice.
Their campaign is part of a wider movement in pursuit of justice and equality.
Common combinations
- act in pursuit of justice
- The organization acts in pursuit of justice for refugees.
- in the pursuit of justice
- Mistakes are sometimes made in the pursuit of justice.
- a step in the pursuit of justice
- The ruling was a step in the pursuit of justice.
- fight in pursuit of justice
- They continue to fight in pursuit of justice.
Synonyms and how they differ
- in search of justice
- Similar in meaning but less formal and more common in everyday speech.
- for the sake of justice
- Focuses on the reason or purpose rather than the active effort.
Commonly confused: in pursuit of justice or in hot pursuit?
in pursuit of justice vs in hot pursuit
This means chasing someone closely, often in a police or military context, not seeking fairness.
Practice
The lawyers were acting ______ of justice for their client.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'in pursuit of justice'. The other prepositions do not form this expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in pursuit of justice”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.