Meaning & use
judiciary
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Meanings
nounusually singular
The part of a country's government that includes all courts and judges and decides how laws apply.
Grammar: Often used with 'the' and a singular verb: The judiciary decides cases. In some contexts, it can take a plural verb when referring to judges as individuals.
Patterns
- the judiciary
- an independent judiciary
- the judiciary decides something
The judiciary must remain independent from political pressure.
She spent her career working within the judiciary.
Reforms to the judiciary were announced after the scandal.
nounusually singular
The judges of a country or region considered as a group.
Grammar: Can be preceded by 'the' and followed by a plural verb when focusing on the judges themselves: The judiciary are divided on this issue.
Patterns
- the judiciary
- members of the judiciary
- the judiciary of a country
The judiciary of the United States includes both federal and state judges.
A meeting of the judiciary was held to discuss court delays.
The judiciary has called for better resources.
Word forms
| plural | judiciaries |
|---|
Common combinations
- independent judiciary
- A free society needs an independent judiciary.
- the judiciary
- The judiciary interprets the law.
- reform the judiciary
- The government promised to reform the judiciary.
- member of the judiciary
- She is a respected member of the judiciary.
Synonyms and how they differ
- judges
- More informal and refers only to the people, not the court system as a whole.
- courts
- Focuses on the institutions rather than the judges; often used in phrases like 'the courts decided'.
- legal system
- Broader, including police, lawyers, and prisons, not just judges and courts.
Word family
- judicial adjective
- Relating to courts, judges, or the administration of justice.
- judicious adjective
- Showing good judgment; careful and sensible.
Commonly confused: judiciary or judicial? judiciary or jurisdiction?
judiciary vs judicial
Judicial is an adjective meaning 'relating to courts or judges' (e.g., judicial review), while judiciary is a noun for the court system itself.
judiciary vs jurisdiction
Jurisdiction means the official power to make legal decisions or the area where this power applies; it is not the same as the institution of judges and courts.
Practice
The ________ is responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring justice.
Choose one answer.
The sentence needs a noun that refers to the branch of government made up of courts and judges. 'Judiciary' fits. 'Judicial' is an adjective, 'jurisdiction' means legal authority or area, and 'judicious' means wise or sensible.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “judiciary”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.