Legal Definitions - lato sensu

The term lato sensu means "in a broad sense" or "in a wide sense." It is used to indicate that a word, concept, or legal principle is being interpreted or applied in its most expansive form, encompassing a wide range of related ideas or instances, rather than a narrow, specific, or restricted interpretation.

• Example 1: Defining "Property"

  Imagine a legal discussion about "property rights." If the term "property" is used lato sensu, it would not just refer to physical assets like land or a house. Instead, it would broadly include intellectual property (such as copyrights or patents), financial assets (like stocks and bonds), and even digital assets. This wide interpretation acknowledges the diverse forms that ownership can take in modern society.

• Example 2: Understanding "Family" in Policy

  Consider a company's policy on bereavement leave or health insurance benefits. If the policy defines "family" lato sensu, it would extend beyond immediate relatives like a spouse and biological children. It might include domestic partners, stepchildren, foster children, grandparents, or even long-term household members who share a close, familial bond, reflecting a broader understanding of family structures in contemporary society.