In 15 Seconds
- Used to cite a formal ruling or a structured decision.
- Common in legal, professional, and highly serious contexts.
- Implies the decision is final and backed by authority.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the act of forming an opinion or making a decision based on someone's judgment or a formal legal ruling.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a court's decision
Le contrat a été annulé par le jugement du tribunal.
The contract was canceled by the court's judgment.
Discussing a professional evaluation
Sa promotion a été validée par le jugement de la direction.
His promotion was validated by the management's judgment.
A news report about a criminal case
Il a été libéré par le jugement rendu ce matin.
He was released by the judgment delivered this morning.
Cultural Background
In French society, administrative and legal rulings are highly respected and seen as the ultimate resolution to conflicts. The phrase reflects a culture that values 'le droit' (the law) and formal procedures over subjective interpretations. It gained prominence through the rigorous documentation requirements of the French Civil Code.
The 'Par' Power
Remember that 'par' implies the judgment is the active force that changed the situation.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for small things like choosing a movie, people will think you're being sarcastic or overly dramatic.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to cite a formal ruling or a structured decision.
- Common in legal, professional, and highly serious contexts.
- Implies the decision is final and backed by authority.
What It Means
par le jugement is all about the source of a decision. It points to the 'why' or 'how' behind a conclusion. Think of it as saying 'according to the verdict' or 'based on the assessment.' It is less about your personal feelings. It is more about a structured evaluation.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to justify a result. It often appears when discussing legal matters. However, you can use it for professional evaluations too. You place it after the action being explained. For example, a contract is voided par le jugement of a court. It acts as a formal bridge between an outcome and its cause.
When To Use It
Use this in serious settings. It fits perfectly in a courtroom or a lawyer's office. You might see it in a news report about a trial. It also works in HR meetings. Use it when you need to sound objective. It’s great for when you want to shift the 'blame' to a formal process. 'I didn't decide this, the judgment did!'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for casual opinions. If you think a movie is bad, don't say it's par le jugement. That sounds like a judge officially banned the film. Avoid it at a party or while texting about dinner. It is too heavy for lighthearted topics. Using it for a pizza choice would be quite a dramatic move.
Cultural Background
France has a very structured legal and administrative culture. The word jugement carries weight. It reflects the Napoleonic influence on logic and order. In France, a formal 'judgment' is often seen as the final, indisputable word. This phrase reinforces that sense of definitive authority. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a gavel hitting a desk.
Common Variations
You might hear selon le jugement which means 'according to the judgment.' Another one is par voie de jugement, which is even more formal. If you are talking about your own opinion, use à mon jugement. But be careful! Par le jugement usually implies an external, official force is at play. Stick to the original for that 'official' flavor.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register collocation. It is primarily found in written legal documents or formal spoken announcements. Avoid using it in intimate or casual settings unless you intend to sound mock-serious.
The 'Par' Power
Remember that 'par' implies the judgment is the active force that changed the situation.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for small things like choosing a movie, people will think you're being sarcastic or overly dramatic.
The 'Juge' Factor
In France, being a 'Juge' is a high-prestige career that requires a special school (ENM), making their 'jugements' very weighty.
Examples
6Le contrat a été annulé par le jugement du tribunal.
The contract was canceled by the court's judgment.
This is the most standard, literal use in a legal context.
Sa promotion a été validée par le jugement de la direction.
His promotion was validated by the management's judgment.
Used here to show the decision came from an official board.
Il a été libéré par le jugement rendu ce matin.
He was released by the judgment delivered this morning.
Focuses on the document/ruling as the cause of the release.
C'est officiel par le jugement des experts.
It's official by the experts' judgment.
Slightly stiff for a text, but used to emphasize authority.
Ma chambre est déclarée zone sinistrée par le jugement de ma mère.
My room is declared a disaster zone by my mother's judgment.
Uses formal language for a funny, everyday exaggeration.
Je me sens trahi par le jugement final.
I feel betrayed by the final judgment.
Expresses deep emotion regarding an official decision.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete this formal sentence.
L'accusé a été acquitté ___ du jury.
The preposition 'par' indicates the means or the agent by which the acquittal happened.
Which phrase fits best in a professional HR report?
Le litige a été résolu ___ de la commission.
A commission issues a 'jugement' or 'avis' to resolve disputes professionally.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Par le jugement'
Talking to friends about a choice.
Selon moi...
Standard business talk.
D'après l'avis...
Legal or official rulings.
Par le jugement...
Where to use 'Par le jugement'
Law Court
Verdicts and sentences.
Corporate Board
Official final decisions.
News Media
Reporting on rulings.
Academic Review
Thesis defense results.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesL'accusé a été acquitté ___ du jury.
The preposition 'par' indicates the means or the agent by which the acquittal happened.
Le litige a été résolu ___ de la commission.
A commission issues a 'jugement' or 'avis' to resolve disputes professionally.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'par le jugement' refers to an official ruling. For your opinion, use à mon avis or selon moi.
Only if you are being funny or dramatic. For example, C'est décidé par le jugement de mon chat (It's decided by my cat's judgment).
Usually, yes, but it can also apply to formal committees or boards in a professional setting.
The plural is par les jugements, used when referring to multiple rulings or decisions.
It is always par le. Using par au is grammatically incorrect in French.
Yes, if a referee makes a formal ruling that changes the score, you could say it was decided par le jugement de l'arbitre.
Not at all. It is used every day in French news, law, and administration.
Confusing it with juger par, which means 'to judge by' (e.g., ne jugez pas par les apparences).
It sounds very final and authoritative, which can feel cold or distant in a personal conversation.
A jugement is a formal, often binding decision. An avis is just an opinion or advice.
Related Phrases
selon le verdict
sous réserve de jugement
porter un jugement
sans appel
avis de la cour
