Law parsimony refers to the legal principle or concept wherein laws and regulations are formulated and applied in a manner that is simple, concise, and minimally burdensome. Derived from the term "parsimony," which generally refers to frugality or the avoidance of unnecessary expenditures, law parsimony seeks to ensure that legal rules are clear, unambiguous, and easily understood by individuals subject to them.
Law parsimony emphasizes a minimalist approach to legislation, aiming to achieve the desired outcomes and objectives by employing a limited number of rules and regulations. It is rooted in the belief that excessive complexity and intricacy in the legal framework can create confusion, hinder compliance, and impede the proper functioning of legal systems.
In practical terms, law parsimony promotes the drafting and enactment of laws that are concise, specific to the intended purpose, and devoid of unnecessary provisions. It encourages policymakers and lawmakers to avoid redundancy, overlap, and superfluity within legal texts, striving for simplicity and brevity while ensuring legal standards are upheld.
The principle of law parsimony has various advantages. It enhances legal predictability, making it easier for the public to understand and comply with the law. It also facilitates efficient administration and adjudication by reducing the volume of legal provisions that need interpretation and application. Law parsimony encourages legal systems to focus on essential aspects, thereby increasing transparency, accessibility, and fairness.
Overall, law parsimony seeks to strike a balance between establishing effective legal standards and avoiding excessive regulation, thereby promoting the efficient and just operation of legal systems.
