justice was served

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "justice was served" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a fair outcome has been achieved, often in a legal or moral context. Example: "After the lengthy trial, the jury's verdict confirmed that justice was served for the victims of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Justice was served!

Independent

"Today, justice was served".

The New York Times

"But justice was served.

The New York Times

But justice was served by the outcome.

Independent

"I don't believe that justice was served".

The New York Times

Not everyone agrees that justice was served.

The New York Times

I ask Amponsah if he thinks justice was served.

The Guardian

Judge Aquilina did the right thing, and justice was served.

The New Yorker

Acquitted at his second trial, he walked away a free man, but poetic justice was served.

The New York Times

The police commissioner, Raymond W. Kelly, said: "We believe justice was served.

The New York Times

"I believe that justice was served for me and my family," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "justice was served" to convey a sense of closure and satisfaction when a fair resolution has been achieved, especially in legal or moral contexts. This expression is impactful when you wish to emphasize the positive outcome of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "justice was served" in situations that are minor or lack significant moral or legal implications. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated or insincere. Reserve it for contexts where the resolution truly reflects a significant achievement of fairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "justice was served" functions as a declarative statement. It asserts that a fair or deserved outcome has been achieved, often in a legal or moral context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It typically follows a description of events leading to the perceived just outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "justice was served" is a declarative statement widely used, especially in news and media, to express satisfaction that a fair or deserved outcome has been achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in register, it's best reserved for situations where the resolution truly reflects a significant achievement of fairness. Alternatives include phrases like "justice prevailed" or "the right outcome occurred", but the original phrase conveys a specific sense of closure and validation following an event or decision. Overusing "justice was served" in trivial scenarios can diminish its impact, so it should be used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justice prevailed

Focuses on the ultimate triumph of justice, suggesting a struggle or opposition overcome.

a just resolution was reached

Highlights the fairness and appropriateness of the outcome.

fairness was achieved

Emphasizes the impartiality and equity of the resolution.

the issue was resolved fairly

A straightforward statement indicating an unbiased and equitable resolution.

the deserved result was achieved

Highlights the idea that the outcome was warranted or earned.

the matter was justly settled

Emphasizes the legal or formal aspect of the resolution.

the right outcome occurred

A more general statement indicating a favorable result, applicable beyond legal or moral contexts.

the situation was resolved equitably

Focuses on the balanced and just nature of the resolution.

the punishment fit the crime

Specifically refers to situations where the severity of the punishment matches the offense.

what was right was done

A more general statement emphasizing the moral correctness of the action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "justice was served" is generally used as a statement following a decision, verdict, or event perceived as fair and equitable, often in legal or moral scenarios. For example, "After the trial, many felt that "justice was served"."

What are some alternatives to saying "justice was served"?

Alternatives to "justice was served" include phrases such as "justice prevailed", "the right outcome occurred", or "fairness was achieved", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "justice was served" in informal contexts?

While "justice was served" is generally appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, it might sound overly dramatic in very informal settings. Consider using a more casual phrase like "things worked out" or "it all came right" in informal conversations.

What is the difference between "justice was served" and "justice was done"?

While both phrases convey a sense of fairness, ""justice was served"" typically implies a specific action or event that resulted in a fair outcome, whereas "justice was done" is a broader statement suggesting that overall fairness has been achieved.