The Law Dictionary

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PRUDENCE Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

Carefulness, precaution, attentiveness, and good judgment as applied to action or conduct That degree of care required by the exigencies or circumstances under which it is to be exercised. Crouk v. Railway Co., 3 S. D. 93, 52 N. W. 420. This term, in the language of the law, is commonly associated with “care” and “diligence” and contrasted with “negligence.” See those titles. Prudenter agit qui prsecepto legis ob- temperat. 5 Coke, 49. He acts prudently who obeys the command of the law.

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