legalists
/ˈliːɡəlɪsts/
noun
- People who insist on strict, literal adherence to laws or rules, often without considering fairness or the bigger picture.
- Some historians describe the ancient Chinese philosophers known as legalists as supporters of strict laws and harsh punishments.
- The legalists in the office refused to approve the project because one form was missing a signature.
- The committee was divided between legalists who wanted to follow every rule and pragmatists who wanted a flexible approach.
Synonyms