Social Norms

/ˈsoʊʃəl nɔrmz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Unwritten rules governing behavior in society, influencing legal interpretations and social enforcement mechanisms.
    Courts sometimes consider prevailing social norms when interpreting statutes.

Forms

  • social norms
  • social norm

Commentary

Social norms differ from formal laws but can inform statutory interpretation and legal reasoning in cases involving societal expectations.

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