De minimis non curat lex Definition

GLOSSARY

What does De minimis non curat lex mean?

The law does not concern itself with trifles

The de minimis rule is seldom relevant in criminal law (so, for, example, the offence of theft is made out whether the property taken is worth one penny or £1 million) but it is not wholly irrelevant. For example, a shopkeeper who hangs a rack of newspapers on the outer wall of his shop abutting the highway may be acquitted of obstruction of the highway on the basis of de minimis non curat lex.

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Should I set de minimis values in my corporate hospitality and gifts policies?

Should I set de minimis values in my corporate hospitality and gifts policies? De minimis non curat lex means ‘the law cares not for small things’. But the Bribery Act 2010 (BA 2010) demonstrates that this may not be true. BA 2010 came into force on 1 July 2011. It consolidated and replaced outdated bribery and corruption laws. It was a response to criticisms of the UK regime from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). BA 2010 reflects the government’s zero tolerance to bribery in UK trade. It’s short (just 20 sections and 2 schedules), but it has wide jurisdictional scope, creates broad criminal offences and applies to individuals and corporations in both the private and public sectors. Matthew Vernon of Osborne Clarke considers the key challenges and concerns for firms in relation to corporate hospitality and gifts and sets out what firms might expect from the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Failing to prevent bribery The three key offences in BA 2010 are...

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Question of the week: Should I set de minimis values in my corporate hospitality and gifts policies?

This Q&A, produced in partnership with Matthew Vernon, leading financial crime barrister, considers whether firms should set de minimis values in corporate hospitality and gifts policies.

Costs budgets and applications for relief from sanctions

Dispute Resolution analysis: The new tougher approach to rule compliance and relief from sanctions under CPR 3.9 is considered by Nicholas Bacon QC, of 4 New Square, in the light of a recent Court of Appeal decision in the ‘Plebgate’ defamation proceedings.

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