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Simple English definitions for legal terms
litera legis
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A quick definition of litera legis:
Term: LITERA LEGIS
Definition: Litera legis, also known as the letter of the law, refers to the exact and literal meaning of a law, rather than the intention or purpose behind it. This means that the law must be followed exactly as it is written, without any interpretation or deviation. It is the opposite of the spirit of the law, which takes into account the intention and purpose of the law.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Litera legis is a Latin term that means "letter of the law." It refers to the strict and literal interpretation of the law, rather than considering the intention or policy behind it.
For example, if a law states that a person must be 18 years old to vote, the litera legis interpretation would mean that anyone under 18 cannot vote, even if they are only a few months away from their 18th birthday. This interpretation does not take into account the intention of the law, which is to ensure that only adults who are legally allowed to make decisions can vote.
Another example is if a law states that a person must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. The litera legis interpretation would mean that the person must wear a helmet at all times while riding, even if they are only going a short distance at a slow speed. This interpretation does not consider the intention of the law, which is to protect the rider from serious injury in case of an accident.