De Minimis: What It Means in Legal Contexts and Beyond
Definition & Meaning
De minimis is a legal term derived from Latin, meaning "of minimal importance" or "trivial." It refers to matters that are so minor that they do not warrant legal consideration or action. In legal contexts, issues deemed de minimis are often dismissed because they do not significantly affect the rights or obligations of the parties involved. This principle helps courts focus on more substantial cases and avoid wasting resources on trivial disputes.
Legal Use & context
The term de minimis is commonly used in various areas of law, including:
- Civil Law: Courts may dismiss cases that involve insignificant damages or minor violations.
- Tax Law: Certain small amounts may be exempt from taxation under de minimis rules.
- Regulatory Compliance: Businesses may not be penalized for minor infractions that fall below a de minimis threshold.
Users can often manage de minimis issues themselves using legal templates available from resources like US Legal Forms.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person seeks to sue a neighbor for a small scratch on their car caused by a falling branch. If the damage is valued at less than $50, a court may consider this a de minimis issue and dismiss the case.
Example 2: A company fails to file a minor report with a regulatory agency, but the oversight does not result in any penalties or significant consequences. This situation may also be viewed as de minimis. (hypothetical example)