spirit of the lawglossary / SPIRIT OF THE LAW spirit of the law. The general meaning or purpose of the law, as opposed to its literal content. Cf. LETTER OF THE LAW. [Cases: Statutes 183. C.J.S. Statutes § 317.] 词条贡献者 法律翻译晓琳,国际知名商学院金融专业,专注翻译各类与金融服务与投资管理有关的法律文件。