justice served

USAGE SUMMARY

"Justice served" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing a situation where someone has been held accountable for a wrongdoing. For example, "The criminal was sentenced to life in prison; justice served."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

WAS justice served?

The Economist

Was justice served?

The New Yorker

Obama said that this was justice served.

The New Yorker

I do want to see justice served".

The New York Times - Sports

Justice served to Nazis, drug dealers, polluters and corrupt businessmen.

The Guardian - Music

Consequently, victims of the regime might not see justice served.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is drone warfare justice, served hot, stylish and bloody.

The Guardian - Film

On her book's Facebook page, fans applaud Ms. Burleigh for "justice served".

The New York Times

Is justice served when convictions come decades after crimes take place?

The New York Times

He had no doubt that he had witnessed genocide, and he wanted to see justice served.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

For my uncle's sake, I want to see justice served".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "justice served" when you want to succinctly convey that a fair and deserved outcome has been reached, particularly after a trial or legal process.

Common error

Avoid using "justice served" in overly casual or trivial situations. It is best suited for scenarios involving serious offenses and significant consequences. Using it inappropriately can diminish the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "justice served" functions as a concise declaration that a fair and deserved outcome has been achieved, often after a legal process or when someone is held accountable for their actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "justice served" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that a fair outcome has been achieved, especially in legal or ethical contexts. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is suitable for use when accountability has been established. The analysis reveals that it's most frequently found in news and media, indicating a neutral to professional register. While generally appropriate, be mindful of using it in overly casual situations to maintain its impact. Consider using synonyms like "fairness prevailed" or "accountability was achieved" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairness prevailed

Focuses on the positive outcome of fairness being achieved, rather than the act of serving justice.

accountability was achieved

Highlights the aspect of holding someone responsible for their actions.

retribution was delivered

Emphasizes the vengeful aspect of justice, implying punishment for wrongdoing.

the guilty were punished

Focuses specifically on the punishment aspect of justice.

wrongdoers faced consequences

Broader term highlighting the negative repercussions of actions, not necessarily legal.

the scales of justice balanced

Uses metaphorical language to describe the restoration of equilibrium through justice.

comeuppance was received

An informal term for receiving what one deserves, often in a negative context.

deserts were met

Similar to 'comeuppance', implying one received what they deserved, whether good or bad.

the law prevailed

Highlights the dominance and enforcement of legal principles.

equity was established

Focuses on fairness and impartiality in the outcome.

FAQs

How is "justice served" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "justice served" is often used as a standalone statement after a verdict or resolution is reached in a legal case. It can also be used as part of a larger sentence, such as "Many felt that "justice was served" when the defendant was found guilty".

What are some alternative phrases to "justice served"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fairness prevailed", "accountability was achieved", or "the guilty were punished" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "justice served" in all situations?

While "justice served" is a common phrase, it's important to consider the context. It is best used in situations involving formal legal or ethical breaches. Overusing it in minor or trivial situations can lessen its impact.

What does "justice served" imply about the situation?

The phrase implies that a wrong has been righted, and that the responsible party has been held accountable for their actions. It suggests a sense of closure and satisfaction that a fair outcome has been achieved.