Legal Definitions - infra dignitatem curiae

Infra dignitatem curiae is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "beneath the dignity of the court." It refers to a legal case or matter that a court considers too trivial, insignificant, or minor in its nature or monetary value to warrant the court's time, attention, and resources.

Essentially, when a court deems a case infra dignitatem curiae, it means the issue at hand does not rise to the level of importance, complexity, or potential impact that the court is designed to address. Such cases are often seen as an inefficient use of judicial resources, as the cost and effort of litigation would far outweigh the actual dispute.

• Example 1: Extremely Small Monetary Claim

  Imagine a situation where a customer attempts to sue a large retail store for $2.50, claiming they were overcharged for a single item. While an overcharge is technically a wrong, a court would likely consider this case infra dignitatem curiae. The judicial system is designed to resolve substantial disputes, and the minimal amount of money involved in this claim would be seen as too trifling to justify the significant time and expense required for a formal legal proceeding.

• Example 2: Minor Personal Annoyance Without Legal Harm

  Consider a dispute between neighbors where one neighbor sues the other because their garden gnome is positioned in a way that slightly obstructs a very small, non-essential view from their window, causing them "mild aesthetic discomfort." There is no claim of property damage, trespass, or significant nuisance. A court would likely dismiss such a case as infra dignitatem curiae because the alleged harm is so minor and subjective, lacking any substantial legal basis or impact that warrants judicial intervention.

• Example 3: Frivolous Contractual Dispute Over Trivial Items

  Suppose a person tries to sue a friend for failing to return a borrowed pencil, claiming a breach of an implied contract. Even if a verbal agreement to return the pencil existed, a court would almost certainly view this matter as infra dignitatem curiae. The item in question is of negligible value, and the judicial system is not intended to mediate every minor social interaction or trivial exchange between individuals. The resources required to litigate such a claim would be disproportionate to the subject matter.