Legal Definitions - intemperance

Intemperance refers to a significant and consistent lack of self-control or moderation in one's actions or habits. While it can apply to various behaviors, in a legal context, it most frequently describes the habitual or excessive consumption of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, often to the point where it negatively impacts one's responsibilities, judgment, or well-being.

• Example 1: Family Law

  During a child custody dispute, a court might consider evidence of a parent's intemperance if their consistent and excessive alcohol consumption has led to neglectful behavior or an unstable home environment for the children. The court would view this lack of moderation as a factor in determining the child's best interests.

• Example 2: Professional Licensing

  A medical licensing board might initiate disciplinary proceedings against a physician if there is a documented pattern of intemperance, such as habitual abuse of prescription medications, which impairs their professional judgment and ability to safely treat patients. This demonstrates how a lack of moderation in substance use can have severe legal consequences for licensed professionals.

• Example 3: Employment Law

  An employer might have grounds to terminate an employee "for cause" if the employee consistently arrives at work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, despite warnings. This pattern of intemperance violates workplace policies and demonstrates a lack of moderation that directly interferes with job performance and workplace safety, potentially impacting unemployment benefit claims.