Definition

Noun: 1. A legal principle underlying the formulation of jurisprudence: A fundamental rule, theory, or concept established through court decisions that forms the basis for interpreting and applying the law. It is a doctrine created by the judiciary.

Usage

The term "judicial doctrine" is used in legal contexts to refer to a principle that originates from judicial opinions and precedents, rather than from statutes or constitutions. It guides how courts should decide future cases involving similar issues.

Examples

• The judicial doctrine of requires courts to follow precedents set by previous decisions.
• The Supreme Court established a new judicial doctrine regarding privacy in the digital age.
• Lawyers argued that the lower court's ruling violated a long-standing judicial doctrine.

Advanced Usage

• "to establish/set forth a judicial doctrine": This phrase describes the act of a court, especially a high court, creating and articulating a new legal principle in its ruling.
• "to overturn a judicial doctrine": This refers to a court, typically a higher one, rejecting and reversing a legal principle that was previously in force.

Variants and Related Words

• Legal doctrine (n): A broader term encompassing principles derived from any source of law, including judicial decisions, statutes, and scholarly work. A judicial doctrine is a specific type of legal doctrine.
• Judicial principle (n): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "judicial doctrine."
• Precedent (n): A prior court decision that serves as an authoritative example for deciding subsequent cases with similar facts or legal issues. A judicial doctrine is often built from a line of precedents.

Synonyms

• Legal principle
• Jurisprudential principle
• Judge-made law (a more descriptive synonym emphasizing its origin in court rulings)

Related Phrases

• Doctrine of judicial restraint: The judicial doctrine that judges should limit the exercise of their own power, deferring to legislative decisions whenever possible.
• Doctrine of judicial review: The judicial doctrine that courts have the power to review and invalidate legislative and executive actions that violate a constitution.

Noun

1. (law) a principle underlying the formulation of jurisprudence