Doctrine-of-necessity Definition
(philosophy, metaphysics, theology) Necessarianism, especially as espoused by Joseph Priestley.
(law) A principle whereby a normally criminal act is justified by the necessity of preserving something of greater utilitarian value than that lost or sacrificed; not to be confused with self-defence.
(politics, law) The principle that the laws of an illegal government should be deemed valid insofar as they do not contradict the constitution, justified on the basis that maintenance of government is of greater utilitarian value than maintenance of the law.
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