Legal Definitions - irrational

Irrational describes a decision, action, or conclusion that is not based on sound reasoning, lacks a logical foundation, or fails to consider the relevant facts in a fair and objective manner. It implies a departure from what a reasonable person would conclude given the available information.

• Example 1: Administrative Decision
  A local zoning board votes to deny a permit for a new community garden, stating only that they "just don't like the idea," despite the proposal meeting all established zoning requirements, having strong community support, and presenting no environmental or traffic concerns. The board offers no specific, fact-based reasons for their denial.

  Explanation: This decision would be considered irrational because it is not guided by a fair consideration of the facts (the proposal meets requirements, has support, no concerns) or by reason (no logical basis for "just don't like the idea"). It appears to be based on personal whim rather than objective criteria.

• Example 2: Judicial Ruling
  In a child custody dispute, a judge orders that the children must live with a distant relative whom they have never met, rather than either parent, despite both parents being deemed fit and capable, and without any evidence presented that either parent poses a risk to the children's well-being.

  Explanation: The judge's ruling could be deemed irrational because it is not guided by a fair consideration of the facts (both parents are fit, no evidence of risk) and lacks a reasonable basis for disrupting the children's existing family structure in such an extreme way.

• Example 3: Corporate Policy
  A company implements a new policy requiring all employees to work an extra two hours every day without additional pay, claiming it will "boost morale." However, the company provides no explanation or data to support how longer hours without compensation would improve employee morale, and employee surveys consistently show a desire for better work-life balance.

  Explanation: This corporate policy is irrational because it is not guided by reason or a fair consideration of the facts. The stated justification ("boost morale") directly contradicts common sense and employee feedback, making the decision illogical and unsupported by evidence.