Associations to the word «Legalism»

Wiktionary

LEGALISM, noun. A philosophy of focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law, elevating strict adherence to law over justice, mercy, grace and common sense.
LEGALISM, noun. A legal axiom; a statement couched as a proverb expressing a rule of law.

Dictionary definition

LEGALISM, noun. Strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than its spirit.

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats