Legalism

Origin

legal + -ism

Full definition of legalism

Noun

1. A philosophy of focusing on the text of written law to the exclusion of the intent of law, elevating strict adherence to law over justice, mercy, grace and common sense.
2. A legal axiom; a statement couched as a proverb expressing a rule of law.

Antonyms

• antinomianism

Derived terms

• legalist
• legalistic
• legalistically

Related terms

• aphorism
• statism

Anagrams

• millages