Legal Definitions - in pejorem partem

Term: in pejorem partem
Definition: In legal terms, "in pejorem partem" means to take the worst possible interpretation of a situation or law. It is used when a court or judge is deciding a case and wants to make sure they are considering all possible negative outcomes. For example, if a law is ambiguous, a judge may interpret it "in pejorem partem" to ensure that it is not being used to harm someone unfairly. Example: In a case where a person is accused of stealing, the judge may interpret the evidence "in pejorem partem" to ensure that the accused is not being unfairly punished. This means that the judge will consider all possible negative outcomes and make sure that the accused is not being punished more harshly than they deserve. Explanation: The example illustrates the definition of "in pejorem partem" because the judge is taking the worst possible interpretation of the evidence to ensure that the accused is not being unfairly punished. By considering all possible negative outcomes, the judge is making sure that justice is being served and that the accused is not being punished more harshly than they deserve.