Definitions

1. noun

excessive or excessive emphasis on the letter of the law, or a system of laws or rules that are applied too rigidly

“The company’s strict adherence to its internal policies was criticized as an example of legalism, rather than common sense.”

2. noun

a strict adherence to the principles of justice and morality in law and ethics, often to the point of rigidity or inflexibility

“The lawyer’s commitment to upholding the law and doing what was right, even in difficult cases, was seen as an example of legalism.”

3. noun

a philosophy or system of thought that emphasizes the importance of rules, laws, and moral principles

“The philosopher’s defense of legalism as a moral framework for human behavior was met with criticism from those who saw it as overly rigid.”

4. adjective

characterized by or relating to an excessive emphasis on the letter of the law, or a system of laws or rules that are applied too rigidly

“The legalistic approach to contract law made it difficult for businesses to navigate.”