Ad Hominem
/ˌæd ˈhɒmɪnɛm/
Definitions
- (adj.) Directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining, often as a fallacious argumentative strategy in legal reasoning.
The lawyer's ad hominem attack undermined the credibility of the witness rather than addressing the evidence.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Commonly used to identify fallacious attacks in legal argumentation; important to distinguish from relevant character evidence admissible under law.
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.