“On all fours” is a legal term used to describe a situation where a current case or legal issue is identical or very similar to a previous case that has already been decided. It suggests that the facts and circumstances of the current case closely match those of the previous case, making it applicable as a precedent. When a case is said to be “on all fours” with a prior decision, it implies that the legal reasoning and principles applied in the previous case should also be applied in the current case.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/on-all-fours/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):On All Fours. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 02 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/on-all-fours/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):On All Fours. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/on-all-fours/ (accessed: May 02 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):On All Fours. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 02 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/on-all-fours/