Legal doctrine

"Principle of law" redirects here. For other uses, see law (principle).

A legal doctrine is a framework, set of rules, procedural steps, or test, often established through precedent in the common law, through which judgments can be determined in a given legal case. A doctrine comes about when a judge makes a ruling where a process is outlined and applied, and allows for it to be equally applied to like cases. When enough judges make use of the process soon enough it becomes established as the de facto method of deciding like situations.

Examples

The following table lists examples of legal doctrines:

Doctrine Short definition Definition and use
Fundamental Breach also known by Fundamental Term Performance is so far below what is required by the terms of the contract. Under English common law, performance is so substandard that the party injured by the breach is to be exonerated from the performance even if the contract specifically requires performance in the face of a breach.[1]
Also known as the repudiatory breach; it is an extension of the doctrine of deviation.
Laches Loss of rights through failure to act. Under English common law, the unnecessary delaying in bringing an action against a party for failure to perform is known as the Doctrine of Laches. The doctrine describes that a court may refuse to hear a case not brought before it after a lengthy period since the right of action arose.
Repudiatory breach Substandard performance by one of the parties in a contract leading to a breach. See Fundamental Breach.
Substantial Performance English equity allowing partial execution to replace full performance. Rule of law that may be applied if a contract has been substantially performed before a breach occurs. It is used by courts to prevent the injured party from taking unfair advantage of the party that breached after a percentage of the contract has been performed.[1]
Attribution Series of doctrines allowing an actor to be held liable for actions he did not actually commit.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Willes, John A; Willes, John H (2012). Contemporary Canadian Business Law: Principles and Cases (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

External links


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