Legalism (Noun)
Meaning
Strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The judge's ruling was criticized for prioritizing legalism over justice, as it failed to consider the extenuating circumstances of the case.
- The company's strict adherence to policy led to accusations of legalism, as it seemed more concerned with avoiding liability than with doing what was right.
- The politician's opponents accused her of legalism for voting against a popular bill due to a minor technicality, rather than its merits.
- The professor argued that the court's decision was an example of legalism, as it focused on the literal meaning of the law rather than its intended purpose.
- The activist group claimed that the government's response to the crisis was mired in legalism, as it prioritized bureaucratic procedure over the needs of the affected community.