Legal Necessity
/ˈliːɡəl nəˈsɛsɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal defense justifying an act that would otherwise be unlawful because it was done to prevent a greater harm or an imminent danger.
The defendant claimed legal necessity to justify breaking into the cabin during the storm to seek shelter.
Forms
- legal necessity
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Legal necessity often requires proving that the harm avoided was greater than the harm caused by the illegal act.
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.