legalistic

comparative more legalistic · superlative most legalistic

1. Of a person, following the letter of the law.

   He's very legalistic, so let's hope the law is just and merciful as well as strict.

2. Of a person, tending to resort to the law, as one who sues frequently.

   His legalistic tendencies irritated his neighbors, especially since they had to defend themselves against his frivolous suits.

   Synonyms: litigious, litigatious, litiginous

3. Practicing or characterized by legalism.

   the European Union is legalistic, bureaucratic and runs by precedent.

   1 more example

   She was legalistic in her observation of religious rules and traditions.