Legal Foundation

/ˈliːɡəl faʊnˈdeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A basic legal principle, statute, case, or rule upon which laws or legal arguments are founded.
    The legal foundation of the contract was established by precedent.
  2. (n.) The underlying authority or basis that justifies the enactment or application of a law or legal rule.
    The court examined the legal foundation for the new regulation.

Commentary

Often used to denote the authoritative source or reason that supports a legal claim or norm; clarity in identifying the exact foundation can aid in persuasive legal writing.

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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Amicus Docs | Legal Foundation Definition