LEGALISMS Meaning and
Definition
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Legalisms refer to the rigid adherence or excessive focus on the technicalities, formalities, and literal interpretation of laws, rules, or regulations, often to the detriment of fairness, justice, and common sense. It describes a mindset or approach that prioritizes strict adherence to the letter of the law rather than considering the broader principles or intentions behind it.
These legalistic attitudes often manifest in the form of unwavering obedience to legal codes without taking into account the underlying spirit or purpose of those laws. Legalists may attach disproportionate importance to minor procedural details, often emphasizing strict compliance over the pursuit of justice or equity.
Furthermore, legalisms can be characterized by burdensome and unnecessary formalities in legal proceedings, resulting in excessive paperwork or bureaucracy. This overemphasis on technicalities may hinder the efficient administration of justice, obstructing the resolution of cases and leading to frustrations within the legal system.
Moreover, legalisms can also be viewed as a critical observation of those who use the law as a tool for personal gain, exploiting legal loopholes or exploiting technicalities to escape deserved accountability.
In essence, legalisms reflect an overly rigid and narrow mindset that places a disproportionate emphasis on the literal enforcement of laws without considering their broader objectives, leading to a potential deviation from the intended goals of justice, fairness, and common sense.
Common Misspellings for LEGALISMS
Etymology of LEGALISMS
The word "legalisms" is derived from the noun "legalism" which dates back to the early 19th century. "Legalism" is formed by combining the word "legal" with the suffix "-ism".
The word "legal" is derived from the Latin word "legalis", which means "pertaining to the law", and ultimately from the word "lex" meaning "law" in Latin. "Lex" is believed to have its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "*leg-", which also gave rise to words like "legitimate" and "legislation" in English.
The suffix "-ism" comes from the Ancient Greek suffix "-ismos", which is used to form nouns or verbs indicating a doctrine, belief, or practice of something. It is often used to create words referring to a specific system or principle.
Similar spelling words for LEGALISMS
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