Reasonableness Standard
/ˌriːzənəblnɪs ˈstændərd/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal criterion used to evaluate whether a party's actions are fair, sensible, and appropriate under the circumstances.
The court applied the reasonableness standard to determine if the defendant's conduct was negligent.
- (n.) In administrative law, the threshold that agency decisions must meet to be upheld as not arbitrary or capricious.
The agency's decision passed the reasonableness standard after judicial review.
Forms
- reasonableness standards
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The reasonableness standard is context-dependent, often varying between civil liability and administrative law; drafters should specify the applicable legal framework to avoid ambiguity.
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.