justice
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justice
The ideal or principle of acting fairly, morally correctly, and impartially. It is a central concept in ethics and law.
Viele Menschen kämpfen für soziale Gerechtigkeit und gleiche Chancen für alle.
Many people fight for social justice and equal opportunities for everyone.
The word 'Gerechtigkeit' (justice) is derived from the adjective 'gerecht' (just/fair). The ending '-keit' is often added to adjectives to form a feminine noun that describes a quality or state.
Er ist ein sehr gerechter Mensch.
He is a very fair person.
When 'Gerechtigkeit' (justice) is used in the context of crime and the legal system, it refers to the justice system. If the context is morality, philosophy, or politics, it refers to the ideal of fairness.
Der Dieb wurde gefasst und wird der Gerechtigkeit zugeführt.
The thief was caught and will be brought to justice.
In the sense of fairness, 'Gerechtigkeit' (justice) is often combined with verbs like 'fordern' (to demand), 'herstellen' (to establish/create), or 'kämpfen für' (to fight for). A very common term is 'soziale Gerechtigkeit' (social justice).
Die Demonstranten forderten mehr soziale Gerechtigkeit.
The protesters demanded more social justice.
When 'Gerechtigkeit' (justice) refers to the justice system, it is often used in fixed expressions such as 'jemanden der Gerechtigkeit übergeben' (to hand someone over to justice) or 'jemanden vor die Gerechtigkeit bringen' (to bring someone to justice).
Nach langer Flucht konnte der Verbrecher endlich der Gerechtigkeit übergeben werden.
After a long escape, the criminal could finally be handed over to justice.
judiciary
'Gerechtigkeit' and 'Justiz' can both mean the state system of courts and laws. In this sense, they are similar. However, 'Justiz' is the normal and precise word for the state institutions, such as courts and public prosecutors' offices. 'Gerechtigkeit' often means more the ideal that something is fair and morally right. That is why the words can be confused: when it is about authorities and courts, 'Justiz' usually fits better. When it is about fairness and right action, 'Gerechtigkeit' fits better.
Der Täter wurde nach langer Suche der Gerechtigkeit übergeben.
After a long search, the perpetrator was handed over to the justice system.
Die Justiz prüft den Fall und entscheidet später vor Gericht.
The judiciary is reviewing the case and will later decide in court.