iustificatus

iustificatus is a Latin term that functions as the past participle of iustificare and as an adjective meaning "justified" or "made righteous." It derives from iustus "just" and the causative suffix -ficare, with the participial ending -atus. In classical Latin, it is used to describe actions or states judged to be justified, and can occur as a substantive in legal or moral contexts (for example, vir iustificatus "a justified man"; res iustificata "a justified matter").

In Christian theology, iustificatus is common in Latin translations and scholastic writings to denote the state of justification by grace: one who has been iustificatus is declared righteous by God; the related noun iustificatio means "justification." The concept is central to debates on justification by faith and grace in Catholic and Protestant thought, with texts often specifying the relationship between faith, works, and grace.

Historically, iustificatus also appears in legal Latin to indicate that a verdict, action, or person has been justified or excused. Modern usage is largely restricted to Latin-language texts, dictionaries, and theological or legal history; the term is not used as a current term in common secular languages.

See also: iustificatio; iustus; justification; Latin grammar.