Legal Definitions - ius

Definition: Ius (pronounced yoo-s or yoos) is a Latin word that means "law" or "right." It is often used interchangeably with the word jus (pronounced joos or yoos), which has the same meaning.

When used in a general sense, ius or jus refers to the entire body of principles, rules, and statutes that define and protect the public and private rights, duties, and obligations of individuals as members of a community. This can include man-made laws, legal rights, powers, and principles.

For example, the concept of ius or jus is often associated with Roman law, which was a system of laws that governed the Roman Empire. In this context, ius or jus refers to the legal principles and rules that were used to regulate society and protect individual rights.

Another example of ius or jus is the idea of natural law, which is a set of moral and ethical principles that are believed to be inherent in human nature and can be used to guide human behavior. In this context, ius or jus refers to the natural rights and freedoms that individuals possess by virtue of being human.