Licitness is a term used to describe the state of being lawful or legitimate. It is pronounced /ˈlɪsɪtnəs/ (LIS-it-nəss). The spelling is derived from the Latin word "licitus," meaning lawful or permitted. The "-ness" suffix is added to create a noun form. The capitalization of the "L" is important, as it distinguishes the word from the similar-sounding "licentious," which means lacking moral restraint. Licitness is commonly used in legal and business contexts to refer to the legality or legitimacy of an action or decision.
Licitness refers to the quality or state of being licit, which describes something that is lawful, legal, or permitted by the established rules, regulations, or authorities. It is the adherence to the accepted guidelines or principles in a particular jurisdiction or context.
In the legal realm, licitness is often associated with activities, behaviors, or transactions that are officially authorized, recognized, or approved by the governing bodies, legal frameworks, or contractual obligations. It implies that the action taken meets the prescribed standards, criteria, or requirements set forth by the law, and therefore holds moral and legal validity. Conversely, actions that do not comply with these norms may be deemed illicit or unlawful.
The concept of licitness extends beyond legal frameworks and can be applied to various fields or domains, such as ethics, morality, or social norms. A behavior or action can be considered licit within a particular cultural, religious, or ethical framework, while being viewed as illicit or prohibited in another.
The determination of licitness is often subject to interpretation, debates, or changes over time, as societal values and legal systems evolve. It requires an understanding of applicable rules, regulations, or standards, and the ability to discern between licit and illicit actions based on those parameters.
In summary, licitness pertains to the conformity of an action, behavior, or activity with the prescribed rules, regulations, or social norms in a given context, indicating its legality, permissibility, or proper accordance with the prevailing norms.
Lawfulness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "licitness" is derived from the adjective "licit", which means lawful, legal, or permissible. The term "licit" ultimately originates from the Latin word "licitus", which carries the same meaning. The Latin word "licitus" is formed from the past participle of "licere", meaning "to be lawful or to be allowed". Thus, "licitness" is formed by adding the suffix "-ness" to "licit" to indicate the state or quality of being lawful or permissible.