Legal Definitions - ultima ratio

Definition: Ultima ratio is a Latin term that means the final argument or the last resort. It refers to the means that are used only when all other options have been exhausted.

1. In a war, diplomacy should always be the first option. However, if all diplomatic efforts fail, military action may be the ultima ratio.

2. The death penalty is the ultima ratio in the criminal justice system. It is only used in the most serious cases where no other punishment is deemed appropriate.

3. When dealing with a difficult customer, a business should try to resolve the issue through negotiation and compromise. If these methods fail, the ultima ratio may be to terminate the business relationship.

The examples illustrate how ultima ratio is used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted. It emphasizes the importance of exploring all possible solutions before resorting to extreme measures.