Legal Definitions - lex generalis

Lex generalis refers to a law that applies broadly to all individuals or situations within a defined category, rather than being tailored to a specific person, a small, identifiable group, or a unique circumstance. It establishes rules that are intended to have widespread application across society.

• Example 1: Traffic Laws

  Consider a law that mandates all drivers to adhere to a specific speed limit on a highway. This is a lex generalis because it applies to every driver operating a vehicle on that particular road, regardless of their identity, the type of car they drive, or their destination. It is not a rule created for a single individual or a select group of motorists, but a universal standard for all road users within that jurisdiction.

• Example 2: Consumer Protection Regulations

  A regulation requiring all businesses selling goods online to clearly display their return policy is another example of a lex generalis. This rule applies to every online vendor, from large corporations to small independent sellers, and aims to protect all consumers. It does not target a specific company or a particular customer dispute but sets a general standard for transparency in e-commerce transactions across the board.

• Example 3: Public Health Ordinances

  A city ordinance requiring all restaurants to maintain certain hygiene standards, such as regular kitchen inspections and proper food storage temperatures, exemplifies a lex generalis. This law applies to every food establishment operating within the city limits, not just one specific restaurant or a handful of eateries. Its purpose is to ensure the general health and safety of all patrons who dine out, establishing a universal benchmark for food service operations.