in Law, signifies a maintain- ing or showing a sufficient reason in court why the de- fendant did what he is called to answer. Pleas in justification must set forth some special matter; thus on being sued for a trespass, a person may justify it by proving that the land is his own freehold; that he entered a house, in order to apprehend a felon; or by virtue of a warrant to levy a forfeiture, or in order to take a distress; and in an assault, that he did it out of necessity.

in Theology, that act of grace which renders a man just in the sight of God, and worthy of eternal happiness. See Theology.

Different sects of Christians hold very different opi- nions concerning the doctrine of justification; some contending for justification by faith alone, and others by good works.