doctrine of necessity
The 'doctrine of necessity' is invoked to justify extraordinary actions in emergencies or crises, ensuring the preservation of greater goods or essential interests.
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Definition
C1Legal
(technical)A principle that permits actions normally illegal if necessary to prevent greater harm or maintain public order.
Example
- The court invoked the doctrine of necessity to justify the government's emergency measures during the crisis.
C1Constitutional Law
(technical)A justification for deviations from the law during emergencies to protect the state or public interest.
Example
- The president's decision to bypass certain legal protocols was defended under the doctrine of necessity.
C2Political Theory
(academic)A concept that legitimizes the suspension of normal legal procedures in times of crisis to ensure governmental stability.
Example
- During the political upheaval, the doctrine of necessity was used to maintain governmental continuity.
C2International Law
(technical)A principle allowing states to take extraordinary measures to address grave and imminent perils, provided certain conditions are met.
Example
- The country invoked the doctrine of necessity to justify its actions in the face of an external threat.