Deferential
/ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/
Definitions
- (adj.) Showing respect or yielding to the judgment, opinion, or wishes of another, especially a court, official, or authority in legal contexts.
The judge gave a deferential tone in addressing the senior counsel's argument.
Forms
- deferential
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often used to describe judicial attitude toward precedent or administrative agency decisions, indicating respect without necessarily conceding correctness.
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.