English

Noun

Legalism ‎(uncountable)

1. The school of thought originating in ancient China during the Warring States period and officially adopted during the Qin dynasty advocating rule of law as key to ensuring social stability.

Translations

English

Noun

legalism ‎(plural legalisms)

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