totality of the circumstances

noun

A method of analysis where decisions are based on all available information rather than bright-line rules.

“The voluntariness of a confession is based on a totality of the circumstances test.”

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Meanings

nountotality of the circumstances (uncountable)
  1. uncountablelawA method of analysis where decisions are based on all available information rather than bright-line rules.

    The voluntariness of a confession is based on a totality of the circumstances test.

Cite this entry
APA

totality of the circumstances. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/totality%20of%20the%20circumstances

MLA

“totality of the circumstances.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/totality%20of%20the%20circumstances. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “totality of the circumstances,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/totality%20of%20the%20circumstances.

Source: totality of the circumstances on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.