Legal reasoning

Precedent is a judicial decision that serves as an authority for courts when deciding subsequent identical or similar cases. Fundamental to common law legal systems, precedent operates under the principle of stare decisis ("to stand by things decided"), where past judicial decisions serve as case law to guide future rulings, thus promoting consistency and predictability.

thumb|Le grand docteur sophiste, 1886 illustration of Gargantua by [[Albert Robida, expressing mockery of his casuist education]]

study of how conclusions are reached through logical reasoning; one of four rhetorical modes

in law, the obligation on a party in a trial to produce evidence

Medieval Latin phrase

judicial interpretation of statutory law

the causal relationship between conduct and result

sufficient evidence or a sufficient argument for the truth of a proposition

Arbitrariness is the quality of being "determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity, reason, or principle". It is also used to refer to a choice made without any specific criterion or restraint.

assertion without proof

Latin term of art used especially in philosophy, law, and science

thumb|The city council of The Hague deliberating in 1636 Deliberation is a process of thoughtfully weighing options, for example prior to voting. Deliberation emphasizes the use of logic and reason as opposed to power-struggle, creativity, or dialogue. Group decisions are generally made after deliberation through a vote or consensus of those involved.

argument focused on ethics

ways courts interpret laws, especially Constitutional laws

legal standard of proof required for arrests and warrants under US law

Latin expression meaning on its first encounter or at first sight

right to defend against criticism

type of question to predict knowledge on a topic

high legal standard of proof, usually required for criminal conviction

Latin phrase

Latin phrase

adherence to the strict letter of the law, albeit in disregard of the spirit and even in defiance of it

legal term