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A Fortiori: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Significance
Definition & Meaning
A fortiori is a Latin phrase meaning "with even stronger reason." It is used to indicate that if one statement is true, then a second statement is even more likely to be true. For instance, if a person, A, is too young to serve as an administrator, then it follows that A's younger sibling, B, is also too young. This term is often applied in logical arguments to suggest that if one fact is established, another, which is more certain or less surprising, must also be true.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
A fortiori is commonly used in various legal contexts, including civil law, criminal law, and family law. It helps lawyers and judges draw conclusions based on established facts. For example, in family law, if a parent is deemed unfit to have custody of a child, a fortiori, it can be argued that a grandparent or other relative may also be unfit. Users can manage related legal documents and arguments by utilizing templates from US Legal Forms, which are crafted by experienced attorneys.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: If a person is not allowed to drive because they are underage, then it follows that their younger sibling is also not allowed to drive (hypothetical example).
Example 2: If a company cannot hire someone without a college degree, then it can be inferred that they cannot hire someone without a high school diploma either (hypothetical example).
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Difference
A Fortiori
Infers a stronger conclusion from an established fact.
Focuses on logical reasoning based on certainty.
A Minori
Infers a weaker conclusion from an established fact.
Opposite of a fortiori; it draws less certain conclusions.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you find that a fortiori reasoning applies to your situation, consider documenting the established facts clearly. You may benefit from using templates available through US Legal Forms to draft necessary legal documents. If your case is complex or involves significant legal implications, consulting a legal professional is recommended.
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