De Minimis
/ˌdiː ˈmɪnɪmɪs/
Definitions
- (adj.) So minor or trivial that the law does not concern itself with it.
The court dismissed the claim as de minimis due to the negligible harm involved.
- (n.) A legal doctrine that exempts insignificant issues or breaches from judicial review or penalties.
The de minimis doctrine prevents courts from wasting resources on trivial matters.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Used to filter out trivial legal claims or violations; including clear thresholds in drafting helps avoid disputes over its applicability.
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.