Legal Realism

/ˈliːɡəl ˈriːəlɪzəm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal theory emphasizing the influence of social, political, and economic factors on judicial decisions rather than formal rules or logic alone.
    Legal realism challenges traditional views by arguing judges often decide cases based on contextual realities.

Commentary

Legal realism underscores the practical factors shaping law, advising drafters to consider context beyond formal statutes.

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.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app