judicially

Judicially is an adverb used to describe actions, decisions, or processes conducted by courts or judges, or performed in accordance with the principles of the judiciary. It connotes an impartial application of legal standards, due process, and the exercise of judicial power rather than executive or legislative action.

Etymology traces the word to the adjective judicial, which comes from Latin iudicialis, from iudicium meaning judgment or opinion. The suffix -ly forms the standard English adverb, yielding the sense of “in a judicial manner.”

In legal writing, “to act judicially” means to exercise the powers of the judiciary in a manner that is fair, reasoned, and consistent with law. The term is often used in discussions of judicial independence, due process, and the proper boundaries between branches of government. It can describe how a court reviews evidence, rules on disputes, or interprets statutes, emphasizing the formal, principled conduct expected of the judiciary rather than administrative or political processes. The word is not wholly synonymous with legally; legally refers more broadly to compliance with law, while judicially underscores the perspective and procedures associated with the judiciary.

See also: judicial review, judiciary, due process, independence of the judiciary, rule of law.