Doctrine

/ˈdɒktrɪn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, especially in law or theology.
    The court followed the doctrine of stare decisis in its decision.
  2. (n.) A legal principle established through previous judicial decisions.
    The doctrine of sovereign immunity protects states from certain lawsuits.

Forms

  • doctrines

Commentary

Doctrine often denotes authoritative legal principles derived from case law or statutes; clarity in its application is key when citing precedents.

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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