Sentinel
/ˈsɛn.tɪ.nəl/
Definitions
- (n.) A guard or watchman positioned to observe and warn of danger, especially in military or security contexts.
The sentinel stood watch at the prison gate throughout the night.
- (adj.) Serving as a guard or sentinel; acting as a protector or sentry in a legal context, often metaphorically referring to a statute or provision that safeguards rights.
The court described the statute as a sentinel protecting constitutional freedoms.
Forms
- sentinels
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal drafting, 'sentinel' is often used metaphorically to describe laws or doctrines that act as safeguards; clarity is needed to distinguish literal from figurative uses.
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.