Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Justice"

To sign *justice*, hold both hands flat in front of your chest with your palms facing down and your fingers pointing toward each other. Bring your hands together so that the fingertips of both hands meet perfectly in the middle. You can gently tap your fingertips together or pull them slightly apart and down to emphasize the idea of balance. This sign is also commonly used for the words *equal* or *fair*.

Examples Using "Justice" in a Sentence

1

We must fight for justice.

To sign this empowering statement, start with the sign for 'fight' by crossing your fists in front of you. Then, transition smoothly into 'justice' by bringing your flat hands together so your fingertips meet in the center of your chest, emphasizing the balance we strive for.

2

The judge ensures justice in the courtroom.

Begin by signing 'judge' using the 'F' handshapes moving alternately up and down. Then, use the flat-handed sign for 'justice' to describe the fairness being upheld, touching your inward-pointing fingertips together to clearly show the equality expected in a legal setting.

3

That decision was not justice.

First, establish the context by signing 'that' and 'decision'. Then, shake your head and sign 'not' by bringing your thumb forward from under your chin, followed immediately by the balanced fingertip touch of 'justice' to clearly demonstrate that the outcome lacked fairness.

How to Sign "Justice"
To sign *justice*, hold both hands flat in front of your chest with your palms facing down and your fingers pointing toward each other. Bring your hands together so that the fingertips of both hands meet perfectly in the middle. You can gently tap your fingertips together or pull them slightly apart and down to emphasize the idea of balance. This sign is also commonly used for the words *equal* or *fair*.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for *justice* is deeply rooted in the visual metaphor of a traditional balance scale, which has long been a universal symbol for fairness and the law. By bringing both hands together so that the fingertips meet perfectly in the middle, the signer is physically demonstrating two equal sides coming into perfect alignment. The flat, level hands represent the balanced plates of the scale. This iconic motivation clearly links the physical execution of the sign to the abstract concepts of equality, fairness, and justice.
Signing Tips
To execute the sign for *justice* cleanly, focus on keeping your hands perfectly level with the ground. Your palms should face down, and your fingers should be straight and held together. When you bring your hands to the center of your chest, ensure that the fingertips meet evenly, without one hand resting higher than the other. This symmetry is crucial because the sign relies on the visual metaphor of balance. Whether you tap the fingertips or pull them slightly apart, keep the motion crisp and controlled.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make with the sign for *justice* is angling their hands so the fingers point forward rather than inward toward each other. If your fingers point away from your body, the meaning is lost. Another frequent error is overlapping the fingers or letting the hands interlock instead of just letting the fingertips meet. Finally, be careful not to use a harsh chopping motion; the movement should be a controlled, deliberate touch that conveys the steady, balanced nature of fairness and equality.
Regional Variations
While the flat-handed sign for *equal* or *fair* is widely used to mean *justice*, you will often encounter a few notable variations. Many signers prefer to use 'F' handshapes (with the index finger and thumb touching) moving alternately up and down to specifically mean *justice* or *court*, mimicking the shifting plates of a scale. Additionally, in some regions or in Signed Exact English (SEE), you might see the sign initialized with 'J' handshapes. However, the balanced fingertip touch remains a universally understood and conceptually accurate choice.
Examples Using "Justice" in a Sentence
1

We must fight for justice.

To sign this empowering statement, start with the sign for 'fight' by crossing your fists in front of you. Then, transition smoothly into 'justice' by bringing your flat hands together so your fingertips meet in the center of your chest, emphasizing the balance we strive for.

2

The judge ensures justice in the courtroom.

Begin by signing 'judge' using the 'F' handshapes moving alternately up and down. Then, use the flat-handed sign for 'justice' to describe the fairness being upheld, touching your inward-pointing fingertips together to clearly show the equality expected in a legal setting.

3

That decision was not justice.

First, establish the context by signing 'that' and 'decision'. Then, shake your head and sign 'not' by bringing your thumb forward from under your chin, followed immediately by the balanced fingertip touch of 'justice' to clearly demonstrate that the outcome lacked fairness.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for *justice* the exact same as *fair* or *equal*?

Yes, in ASL, the abstract concepts of justice, fairness, and equality are very closely related and are often represented by this exact same sign. The visual representation of two sides perfectly balanced applies beautifully to all three of these English words.

Can I use 'F' handshapes for this sign instead of flat hands?

Yes, another very common and accepted variation for *justice* uses 'F' handshapes. In that version, you hold your hands with palms facing each other and move them alternately up and down, which looks exactly like the shifting weights on the scales of justice.

Should I tap my fingers together once or twice?

Tapping your fingertips together twice is the standard way to sign this word, as the double motion makes it a clear noun or established concept. However, a single, firm touch can sometimes be used if you are emphasizing a specific point.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!