Comments on: “Juridical” and “Juridicial”

By: Cassie Tuttle

Cassie Tuttle — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:16:28 +0000

I’m with Al G. in Florida on this one. I was a paralegal for 27 years, and I never heard the word “juridical” (or juridicial, for that matter).

“Judicial process” is a common phrase in the legal arena.

Etymologically speaking, I would think juridical/juridicial might relate to “jurisdiction” –

1: the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law
2 a: the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate
b: the power or right to exercise authority : control
3: the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised (from Merriam-Webster online)

By: Lauri Burkons

Lauri Burkons — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:52:41 +0000

According to OED, there is a slight difference between juridical and juridicial:

Juridical:

1. Of, relating to, or connected with the administration of law or judicial proceedings; sometimes in more general sense = legal.

Juridicial:

a. Relating to the legality of an action.

However, juridicial is obsolete, and the entry sends you to juridical.

By: Al G.

Al G. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:02:12 +0000

Black’s Law Dictionary (5th Edition) defines “juridical” as “relating to the courts or to the administration of justice.” “Juridical day” means “day on which court is in session.”

“Judicial,” which may be the source of confusion, has alternative meanings, some of which are similar to the definition of “juridical.”

I’ve been a lawyer in Florida since 1972 and I’ve never used “juridical.” I have used “judicial,” but I’ve tried to use it judiciously.