Characterization
/ˌkærɪktəraɪˈzeɪʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) The act or process of describing the essential qualities or legal nature of a fact, document, or transaction to determine its legal effect.
The judge's characterization of the contract determined the applicable legal principles.
- (n.) In criminal law, the classification of an offense according to its elements and severity, affecting sentencing and jurisdiction.
The characterization of the theft as a felony led to a harsher penalty.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Characterization is key in legal analysis for applying the correct law to facts, requiring careful identification of legal attributes.
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.