justice

Where does the word "justice" come from? It comes from Latin ius, passing through Latin and Old French before entering English (1200s).

Justice’s story begins in Latin: ius meant “law, right.” The root of 'just', 'jury' and 'injury'. Within Latin, it grew into iustitia by ancient. Righteousness, equity, from ius (law). From there it passed into Old French as justice by medieval. Carried into French for fairness and the administration of law. It reached English by 1200s as justice. Settled as the English word for fairness and the administration of law. Today, justice means fair treatment and the administration of law, or a judge.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient ius "law, right", the root of 'just', 'jury' and 'injury'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient iustitia "righteousness, equity", righteousness, equity, from ius (law).
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval justice "fairness and the administration of law", carried into French for fairness and the administration of law.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1200s justice "fairness in the administration of law and treatment of people", settled as the English word for fairness and the administration of law.