Justiciary is a term used to refer to the judicial branch of government. The word is pronounced /dʒʌsˈtɪʃəri/ with stress on the second syllable. The first syllable "jus" is pronounced with a "dʒ" sound like "juice" followed by a short "ʌ" sound like "uh". The second syllable "ti" is pronounced with an "ɪ" sound like "it" and the third syllable "shi" is pronounced with a "ʃ" sound like "shy". The final syllable "ari" is pronounced with an "əri" sound like "airy".
Justiciary is a term with multiple definitions, depending on the context in which it is used.
In its broadest sense, justiciary refers to the administration and dispensation of justice by a governing body or legal authority. It encompasses the individuals, institutions, and procedures involved in upholding and enforcing the law. This can range from judges and magistrates who preside over legal proceedings, to the courts and tribunals where these proceedings take place.
More specifically, justiciary may also refer to a particular court or legal system. For example, in Scotland, the High Court of Justiciary is the highest criminal court, responsible for hearing the most serious criminal cases. In medieval England, the Court of King's Bench was known as the Court of Justiciary, and it held jurisdiction over matters related to the crown and high treason.
Furthermore, justiciary can also denote the legal principle that underpins fair and impartial administration of justice. This principle is often associated with the concept of judicial independence, ensuring that judges are free from external influences and biases, and are able to make decisions solely based on the merits of the case and application of the law.
Overall, justiciary encompasses the entire spectrum of the justice system, from the machinery of the law to the core principles that guide its functioning.
In Scot., an administration of justice; a chief justice.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "justiciary" originates from the Latin term "iustitiarius", which denotes a judge or a justice. In medieval Latin, the term "iustitiarius" evolved into "justiciarius", referring to an officer of the court who administered justice or a magistrate. During the Middle Ages, the word was adopted into Old French as "justiciier", and later into Middle English as "justiciarie" or "justiciary". It has maintained its meaning of a judge or a judicial officer throughout its linguistic evolution.