Legal Definitions - extrapolation

Definition: Extrapolation is the process of estimating an unknown value or quantity based on the known range of variables. It can also refer to the process by which a court deduces a legal principle from another case or the process of speculating about possible results based on known facts.

Example 1: A scientist measures the growth rate of a plant over a period of two weeks and uses that data to estimate how much the plant will grow over the next month.

Example 2: A court uses a previous case as a basis for making a decision in a current case. For example, if a court previously ruled that a certain action was illegal, they may use that ruling to determine the legality of a similar action in a new case.

Example 3: A weather forecaster uses current weather patterns and historical data to predict what the weather will be like in the coming days or weeks.

In each of these examples, extrapolation is used to make an educated guess or prediction based on available information. It involves taking what is known and using it to estimate what is unknown.