Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
De Minimis Non Curat Praetor
Jurisdictional & Appellate Practice Terms
Definition
"The magistrate does not care for trivialities." A jurisdictional and procedural maxim similar to de minimis non curat lex, asserting that courts of law will not waste judicial time entertaining suits or appeals concerning minuscule, insignificant grievances.
Example
A neighbor files a full civil suit seeking an injunction because the defendant's tree casts an afternoon shadow over three inches of their driveway; the civil court dismisses the suit under the de minimis principle.