Origin: Latin suffix -al
Judicial has 6 different meanings across 1 category:
That branch of government which is responsible for maintaining the courts of law and for the administration of justice.
"The judicial branch decided to hear the appeal after the lower court dismissed the case."
In plain English: A judicial is a person who works as a judge to decide legal cases.
"The judge's judicial was noted for its fairness and wisdom throughout the trial."
Usage: The word "judicial" is an adjective and cannot function as a noun; you should use the noun "judiciary" to refer to the branch of government responsible for courts and the administration of justice. Avoid treating "judicial" as a standalone name for that branch, as it describes qualities related to judges rather than the institution itself.
expressing careful judgment
"discriminative censure"
"a biography ...appreciative and yet judicial in purpose"
Of or relating to the administration of justice.
"The new judicial reforms aim to streamline how courts handle complex civil disputes more efficiently."
In plain English: Judicial means relating to judges or courts of law.
"The judicial system is responsible for interpreting laws and delivering fair verdicts."
Usage: Use judicial to describe anything related to courts, judges, or the legal system's administration of justice. Avoid using it simply to mean fair or impartial, which are better expressed with words like just or equitable.
The word judicial comes from the Latin term iūdicialis, which originally described things related to a judge or court. It entered English through Old French during the Middle Ages to describe matters of law and judgment.