Academic
/əˈkædəmɪk/
Definitions
- (adj.) Relating to education, scholarship, or institutions of learning, especially law schools and legal education.
The academic study of international law helps develop legal theories and principles.
- (n.) A scholar or educator, particularly one engaged in legal scholarship or teaching.
She is a respected academic in the field of constitutional law.
- (adj.) Pertaining to theoretical rather than practical legal matters.
The judge dismissed the case as largely academic since no actual harm occurred.
Commentary
In legal contexts, 'academic' often contrasts practical lawyering with theoretical or educational aspects; it may also refer to hypothetical or nonjusticiable issues.