legalisms
Strict statutory language
Legalisms are excessive attention to the letter of the law rather than its spirit, or rigid adherence to rules at the expense of practical judgment.
A lawyer might invoke legalisms to escape a contract on technicalities.
In religious contexts, legalism prioritizes strict rule-following over underlying moral principles: The church was criticized for its legalisms about dress codes and attendance.
Formally enacted laws
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- codificationOrganizing rules into system
- enactmentPassing into law
- provisionsStockpiled food and supplies
amendments · clauses · subsections · articles · ordinance · charter · bylaws · decrees
Stockpiled food and supplies
- clausesGrammatical or legal units
- termsConditions of an agreement
- stipulationsSpecified requirements or conditions
- covenantsBinding formal agreements
warranties · indemnification · severability · arbitration · breach · liability · parties · consideration
Writ requiring testimony
- affidavitSworn written statement
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- discoveryAct of finding something
- arraignmentCharge-reading court session
indictment · plea bargain · stipulation · injunction · writ · pleadings · motion · continuance
Official court decision
- trialJudicial examination of claims
- plaintiffCivil case initiator
- defendantParty facing charges
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
defense · judge · jury · bench · appeal · bailiff · gavel · objection
Actionable civil harm
- estoppelBar against contradicting oneself
- habeas corpusWrit challenging lawful custody
- prima facieApparently true initially
- voir direPretrial juror examination
mens rea · pro bono · subrogation · indemnity · bailment · easement · encumbrance · chattel
statutes
Formally enacted laws
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- codificationOrganizing rules into system
- enactmentPassing into law
provisions · amendments · clauses · subsections · articles · ordinance · charter · bylaws · decrees · mandates
provisions
Stockpiled food and supplies
- clausesGrammatical or legal units
- termsConditions of an agreement
- stipulationsSpecified requirements or conditions
covenants · warranties · indemnification · severability · arbitration · breach · liability · parties · consideration · execution
subpoena
Writ requiring testimony
- affidavitSworn written statement
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- discoveryAct of finding something
arraignment · indictment · plea bargain · stipulation · injunction · writ · pleadings · motion · continuance · cross-examination
verdict
Official court decision
prosecution · defense · judge · jury · bench · appeal · bailiff · gavel · objection · sidebar
tort
Actionable civil harm
- estoppelBar against contradicting oneself
- habeas corpusWrit challenging lawful custody
- prima facieApparently true initially
voir dire · mens rea · pro bono · subrogation · indemnity · bailment · easement · encumbrance · chattel · malfeasance
legalismsspirit of the law
A statute's underlying purpose
legislative intent · original intent · true intent · natural justice · moral reasoning
legalismsfairness
Just and equal treatment
equity · common sense · pragmatism · plain dealing · good faith
legalismsinformal agreements
Unwritten mutual understandings
handshake deals · plain language · plain speech · colloquialisms · gentleman's agreement