dispensing justice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dispensing justice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the administration or delivery of justice, often in legal or moral discussions. Example: "The judge is responsible for dispensing justice fairly and impartially in the courtroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

I'm dispensing justice, that's all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mary loved Arnold, but this airy way of dispensing justice hurried her agenda.

The New Yorker

Judges should be provided compensation commensurate with the solemn duty of dispensing justice.

The New York Times

The military commissions were less efficient than civilian courts in dispensing justice.

The Guardian

The young Nelson watched the great man dispensing justice, which gave him an early interest in the law.

Independent

Almost 250 years later, this way of dispensing justice has greatly diminished; magistrates routinely hear criminal cases without jurors.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Our ability to dispense justice is often cited as exemplary.

Independent

Her failure there, she says, was that she was unable to dispense justice equally.

The Economist

Judges are supposed to dispense justice but rarely root out crimes.

The New York Times

It is always tricky for victors to dispense justice to losers.

The New York Times

The satirical allegory ends with a royal progress of the fairy king Oberon, who dispenses justice among the bees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dispensing justice", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of administering justice fairly and impartially. This phrase is often appropriate in discussions about legal systems, ethical conduct, and moral responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "dispensing justice" in casual or informal settings. The phrase carries a formal and serious tone, making it unsuitable for everyday conversations or lighthearted discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dispensing justice" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of administering justice, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples demonstrating its use in legal and ethical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dispensing justice" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that refers to the act of administering or providing justice. As noted by Ludwig, its use is particularly prevalent in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, reflecting its suitability for formal discussions about legal and ethical matters. While alternatives like "administering justice" or "delivering justice" offer similar meanings, "dispensing justice" carries a specific connotation of fairness and impartiality. However, it's important to avoid using "dispensing justice" in informal settings due to its serious and formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administering justice

Focuses on the procedural aspect of managing and applying justice, similar to "dispensing justice".

delivering justice

Emphasizes the act of providing justice, often with a sense of finality or resolution.

implementing justice

Highlights the practical application and enforcement of justice, often within a system or framework.

providing justice

Underscores the act of making justice available or accessible to those who seek it.

issuing justice

Implies a formal declaration or pronouncement of justice, often by an authority figure.

applying the law

Focuses on the act of putting legal principles into effect in specific situations.

upholding the law

Emphasizes the maintenance and preservation of legal standards and principles.

enforcing the law

Highlights the act of ensuring compliance with legal rules and regulations.

judicating cases

Specifically refers to the process of hearing and deciding legal cases.

rendering judgements

Focuses on the formal pronouncement of legal decisions or verdicts.

FAQs

What does "dispensing justice" mean?

"Dispensing justice" refers to the act of administering or providing justice, often in a legal or moral context. It implies a fair and impartial application of rules or principles to resolve disputes or address wrongdoing.

How can I use "dispensing justice" in a sentence?

You can use "dispensing justice" in a sentence like, "The court is responsible for "dispensing justice" fairly to all citizens," or "The leader was known for "dispensing justice" with wisdom and compassion."

What are some alternatives to "dispensing justice"?

Alternatives to "dispensing justice" include "administering justice", "delivering justice", or "implementing justice". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "dispensing justice" the same as "seeking justice"?

No, "dispensing justice" and "seeking justice" have different meanings. "Dispensing justice" means administering or providing justice, while "seeking justice" means trying to obtain justice for oneself or others. They represent opposite roles in the justice system.