Whataboutism Fallacy
/ˌwɒtəbəˈrɪz(ə)m ˈfæljəsi/
Definitions
- (n.) A logical fallacy in legal or political argumentation where a person's position is dismissed by accusing them of hypocrisy without directly addressing their claim.
The lawyer's defense was undermined by the opponent's use of the whataboutism fallacy, deflecting the issue to unrelated misconduct.
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Commentary
This fallacy often appears in legal debates and arguments, where direct refutation is replaced by pointing out alleged hypocrisy; recognizing it is key to maintaining focus on substantive 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.