司法 (sīfǎ)

司法 refers to the judicial branch of government and the administration of justice, encompassing courts, judges, and the legal processes by which law is applied.

Meanings

[noun] the judiciary; the judicial system; administration of justice
[adjective] judicial; pertaining to the justice system

Example Sentences

司法独立是法治社会的基本原则。 Sīfǎ dúlì shì fǎzhì shèhuì de jīběn yuánzé. Judicial independence is a fundamental principle of a law-governed society.

他因为腐败行为而受到了司法调查。 Tā yīnwèi fǔbài xíngwéi ér shòudào le sīfǎ diàochá. He was subjected to a judicial investigation for corrupt behavior.

这个案件将进入司法程序。 Zhège àn jiàn jiāng jìnrù sīfǎ chéngxù. This case will enter the judicial process.

司法改革是该国政治改革的重要组成部分。 Sīfǎ gǎigé shì gāi guó zhèngzhì gǎigé de zhòngyào zǔchéng bùfèn. Judicial reform is an important component of the country's political reform.

公民有权依靠司法手段保护自己的权益。 Gōngmín yǒuquán yīkào sīfǎ shǒuduàn bǎohù zìjǐ de quányì. Citizens have the right to use judicial means to protect their rights and interests.

司法部门负责执行国家的法律。 Sīfǎ bùmén fùzé zhíxíng guójiā de fǎlǜ. The judicial department is responsible for enforcing the laws of the state.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
司法独立	judicial independence
司法改革	judicial reform
司法程序	judicial procedure / process
司法部门	judicial department / the judiciary
司法调查	judicial investigation
司法公正	judicial fairness / justice

Usage Notes

司法 is a formal legal and political term. 司 means "to administer/manage" and 法 means "law," so 司法 literally means "administering the law." It is one of the three branches of government alongside 立法 (legislative) and 行政 (executive).

In Chinese legal discourse, 司法 refers broadly to the application of law through courts, prosecutors, and related institutions. The phrase 司法独立 (judicial independence) is a key concept in discussions of legal reform and rule of law.

Memory Hook

司 means "to manage/administer" and 法 means "law" -- 司法 is the management of law, i.e., the judicial system that administers justice.