What is a legal definition?

A legal definition is fundamentally anchored in statutes, regulations, and established case law. It provides clarity and precision regarding legal terms and concepts, ensuring that they are understood consistently within the framework of the law. Legal definitions are not mere opinions or subjective views; instead, they are formulated through legislative processes or judicial interpretations, which reflect a society's established legal principles and precedents.

Legal definitions serve important functions, such as guiding legal professionals in their practice, informing the public about laws, and helping courts interpret and apply the law. By relying on these defined terms, the legal system can maintain order, predictability, and fairness in legal proceedings.

In contrast, opinions, lack of evidence, and subjective moral views do not provide the same level of clarity or authority as legal definitions do. Hence, understanding that legal definitions are specific to the law reinforces the importance of having a clear, consistent, and universally applicable framework for interpretation.