Absurdity Doctrine
/əbˈsɜːrdɪti ˈdɒktrɪn/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine allowing courts to depart from the literal meaning of statutory or contractual language to avoid an outcome that is absurd or unreasonable.
The court applied the absurdity doctrine to interpret the contract in a way that avoided an illogical result.
Forms
- absurdity doctrines
Related terms
See also
Commentary
This doctrine serves as a safeguard against rigid application of laws or contracts that would produce absurd results, emphasizing purpose and common sense in judicial interpretation.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.