Legal Definitions - stricti juris

Stricti Juris is a Latin legal term that describes a situation where a law, right, or contractual agreement must be interpreted and applied in a very precise and narrow manner. It means adhering strictly to the exact wording and established legal principles, without allowing for any expansion, extension, or consideration of broader circumstances, implied meanings, or equitable considerations that are not explicitly stated. It emphasizes the literal application of the law or agreement, rather than its perceived spirit or intent if that intent is not clearly articulated.

• Example 1: Property Easement

  Imagine a property deed that grants a neighbor an easement, specifically stating, "the right to walk across the southernmost five feet of the grantor's property to access their garden." If the neighbor later attempts to drive a small utility vehicle across that strip, or tries to widen the path to accommodate garden equipment, a court applying stricti juris would likely rule against them. The right granted was *strictly* for walking, and only within the specified five feet. Any deviation or expansion, even if seemingly minor or convenient, would be disallowed because it goes beyond the exact and narrow terms of the original grant.

• Example 2: Contractual Forfeiture Clause

  Consider a commercial lease agreement that includes a clause stating that if the tenant fails to pay rent by the first day of the month, the landlord has the immediate right to terminate the lease and seize all property left on the premises. If the tenant's rent payment is delayed by just one day due to an unforeseen bank processing error, and the landlord chooses to enforce the clause, a court applying stricti juris would uphold the landlord's right to terminate and seize property. Even if the delay was brief, unintentional, and caused no significant harm to the landlord, the strict interpretation of the contract's explicit terms would prevail, disregarding any mitigating circumstances.

• Example 3: Statutory Tax Deduction

  A country's tax code states that "donations made to organizations officially registered as charitable trusts are eligible for tax deductions." An individual donates a significant sum to a highly reputable non-profit organization that performs valuable community services but, for various reasons, is not *officially registered* as a "charitable trust" under the precise legal definition in the tax code. When the individual claims the tax deduction, a tax authority applying stricti juris would deny it. Despite the organization's good work and charitable nature, it does not *strictly* meet the exact legal requirement of being a "registered charitable trust," and the law would not be extended to include it.