Epikeia

/ɛpɪˈkeɪə/ noun

Definition

In philosophy and law, the principle of equity or fairness that goes beyond the strict letter of the law to achieve justice.

Etymology

From Greek epieikeia, meaning reasonableness or equity; developed in ancient Greek philosophy and adopted into legal thinking by medieval and modern scholars.

Kelly Says

Epikeia is Aristotle's idea that sometimes the *spirit* of a rule matters more than the *letter*—a fair judge might bend the rules slightly to do real justice.

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