judge, jury, and executioner
judge,
ʤʌʤ
jaj
jury,
ʤʊəri
jueri
and
ən
ēn
executioner
eksɪkju:ʃənə
eksikyooshēnē

Definition & Meaning of "judge, jury, and executioner"in English

judge, jury, and executioner
01

a person or group who has unchecked power to make decisions, impose punishments, and carry out those punishments without due process or oversight 

judge, jury, and executioner definition and meaning
Disapproving
Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "judge, jury, and executioner" and when to use it?

The idiom "judge, jury, and executioner" has its origins in the concept of frontier justice, particularly during the American Old West era. In those times, when law enforcement was often limited or absent, individuals or groups would take it upon themselves to maintain order and administer justice. This involved assuming the roles of judge, jury, and executioner, making decisions on guilt or innocence and carrying out punishments without formal legal proceedings. This phrase is commonly used in discussions surrounding issues of justice, governance, and authority, particularly when there are concerns about abuse of power, lack of accountability, or the absence of impartiality.

Examples
The manager acted as judge, jury, and executioner when he fired her without an investigation. 
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