Whataboutism
/ˈwɒtəˌbʌtɪzəm/
Definitions
- (n.) A rhetorical tactic in legal or political disputes where one party responds to an accusation by making a counter-accusation, often deflecting criticism rather than addressing the original issue.
The defense attorney resorted to whataboutism instead of responding to the allegations directly.
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Commentary
Whataboutism is often considered a fallacious argumentative strategy and is important to recognize in legal discourse to maintain focus on relevant issues.
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.