De minimis is a Latin term commonly used in legal contexts to refer to something that is minimal, inconsequential or trivial. The pronunciation of the word is /ˈdɛ mɪnɪs/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The word is spelled as "de"- which is pronounced as "day" - and "minimis" is pronounced as "min-uh-mis". The spelling appears odd when compared with its pronunciation, but it is common for Latin-derived legal terms to have unique spellings and pronunciations.
De minimis is a Latin term that is widely used in law to refer to a minimal or negligible amount or degree. It is based on the principle that the law does not concern itself with trivial matters, and therefore, it sets a threshold below which something is considered insignificant and does not require legal action or consideration.
In legal terms, de minimis is often used to establish a limit below which legal action or liability is not imposed. For example, in copyright law, the "de minimis" defense is used to argue that the unauthorized use of a small and insignificant portion of a copyrighted work does not constitute infringement. Similarly, in taxation, a de minimis exemption may be implemented, allowing individuals or businesses to exclude small amounts of income from taxation.
The precise definition of what constitutes de minimis can vary depending on the context and jurisdiction. It may encompass a varying range of factors, such as the quantitative or qualitative significance of an issue, the potential harm caused, societal and economic considerations, or even cultural norms.
Overall, the concept of de minimis serves to prevent the legal system from being burdened with trivial matters and focuses resources on more substantial and pertinent issues. It provides a threshold below which the law does not impose responsibility or intervention, ensuring that the legal system can efficiently address meaningful matters.
The term "de minimis" originates from Latin. It is derived from the expression "de minimis non curat lex", meaning "the law does not concern itself with trifles" or "the law does not care about small things". In legal contexts, "de minimis" refers to matters or amounts that are considered too trivial or insignificant to be taken into account or to attract attention.