"Non Sequitur" Explained
By Brian Madigan LL.B.
(ORES)
The latin term "non sequitur" may be translated as "it does not follow". The expression is truly one of logic rather than law, although the two should not be incompatible.
It is more of a mathematical concept. Then again, logic is often taught as part of the department of Philosophy in many univeristies.
The term "non sequitur" appears in many legal decisions but it is not truly a legal term. It just means, "that's illogical". Courts are always asked to draw inferences and conclusions from an insufficient set of facts.
The "non sequitur" is often the root of advertising. It is desigend to elicit an emotional, favourable response in a consumer to encourage the purchase of a product. However, not everyone who drinks beer, buys a certain car or travels to an exotic location will find "love".
The "sales pitch" is as much a part of the lawyer's toolbox as anything else. If you don't have the facts working for you, the you should resort to the "non sequitur".
Brian Madigan LL.B., Broker is an author and commentator on real estate matters, Royal LePage Innovators Realty
905-796-8888
www.OntarioRealEstateSource.com
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