司法(しほう)

しほう
noun
judiciary; the judicial branch
formal
1. judicial system; judiciary; administration of justice
The system of courts and judges that interprets and applies the law.
司法(しほう)試験(しけん)に合格(ごうかく)した。
I passed the bar examination.
司法(しほう)の独立(どくりつ)は大切(たいせつ)だ。
Judicial independence is important.
立法(りっぽう)、行政(ぎょうせい)、司法(しほう)の三権(さんけん)分立(ぶんりつ)。
Separation of the three powers: legislative, executive, and judicial.

司法(しほう) refers to the judicial branch of government — the system of courts and judges that interprets and applies the law.

THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT (三権(さんけん)分立(ぶんりつ)):

  • 立法(りっぽう): legislative (makes laws)
  • 行政(ぎょうせい): executive (enforces laws)
  • 司法(しほう): judicial (interprets laws)

Compounds

  • 司法(しほう)試験(しけん): bar examination (the national exam to become a lawyer or judge)
  • 司法(しほう)制度(せいど): judicial system
  • 司法(しほう)書士(しょし): judicial scrivener (a legal professional who handles documents)
  • 司法(しほう)取引(とりひき): plea bargain
  • 司法(しほう)権(けん): judicial power

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A formal term used in legal, political, and news contexts. Not used in everyday conversation.

Related Words

Related: 裁判(さいばん) (trial, judgment)
Related: 裁判所(さいばんしょ) (courthouse)
general
Added 2026.2.3 14:02 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09500/09663_shihou