Rationality
/ˌræʃəˈnælɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) The quality or state of being reasonable, based on facts or reason rather than emotions or impulses, often used to assess decision-making in legal contexts.
The court evaluated the rationality of the defendant's actions to determine liability.
- (n.) In administrative law, the standard that government decisions must be rational, meaning they must have a logical basis and not be arbitrary or capricious.
The judge overturned the agency’s regulation for lacking rationality under the administrative procedure act.
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Commentary
In legal drafting, ‘rationality’ is critical when challenging or justifying decisions; clearly linking factual basis to reason is essential to meet judicial scrutiny.
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.