legalism

[ lee-guh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. strict adherence, or the principle of strict adherence, to law or prescription, especially to the letter rather than the spirit.
2. Theology.
   1. the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.
   2. the judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.
3. (initial capital letter) (in Chinese philosophy) the principles and practices of a school of political theorists advocating strict legal control over all activities, a system of rewards and punishments uniform for all classes, and an absolute monarchy.

legalism

/ ˈliːɡəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. strict adherence to the law, esp the stressing of the letter of the law rather than its spirit

Derived Forms

• ˈlegalist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• legal·ist noun
• legal·istic adjective
• legal·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of legalism¹

First recorded in 1830–40; legal + -ism

Example Sentences

Yet without a faith deeper than legalism, our society will wither and die.

From Salon

At the same time, the Southern defense of secession shifted dramatically from legalism to the Lost Cause mythology, relegating arguments Radan like those develops to a secondary, if not tertiary place.

From Salon

It is sadly Shakespearean when a man who courageously helped preserve and defend the Constitution allows personal ambition and fake legalism to lure him into a legacy-destroying fall.

From Salon

“What really struck me most was her personal depth and warmth, and her intuitive interest in how real people are affected by her decisions beyond the abstract legalisms,” Blumenthal said.

From Seattle Times

The prime minister and ruling People's Action Party have a long record of using fine-spun, Kafkaesque legalism to block freedom of expression.

From Salon