Cultural Relativism

/ˈkʌltʃərəl rɪˈlætɪvɪzəm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The principle that legal norms and human rights should be understood based on cultural context, recognizing that laws vary with cultural values and social practices.
    The court considered cultural relativism when assessing the defendant's customary practices under local law.

Commentary

In legal scholarship, cultural relativism influences the interpretation of norms in multicultural contexts and debates on universal human rights versus local customs.

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.

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