Law · Legal Information · Justice
 

Oligarchy

A form of government in which a few persons rule and govern by assuming all legislative and administrative authority.

McLean and McMillan wrote:

“Aristotle distinguished between rulers who govern in the general interest ... and those who govern in their own interest (oligarchy).”

On several occasions in the history of Rome, law-making and administrative powers was taken over by force by a few people, (e.g. a triumvirate) who then proceeded to govern as a multi-headed monarchy.

REFERENCES:

  • McLean, I., and McMillan, A., Oxford Concise Dictionary of Politics, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003)

Are we missing anything? If you think there is a term that should be included, please send us the suggestion

  • Dictionary
  • Resources
  • LawMag

Latest LagMag headlines:

H1N1 Law - Swine Law for a Swine Flu

In a state of public health law anarchy, professional hockey players receive a killer flu vaccine while infants and pregnant women wait.

The Death of the Common Law: Expiry date, 2100

Just about now, but for the economic might of the United States of America, the last funeral bell tolls of the common law would be fading.

Gretzky Law

The recent Phoenix Coyotes debacle, in which he left behind his job, is not the only time Wayne Gretzky has had to leave from the side exit of a courtroom.


Read earlier headlines »
Subscribe to stay in touch »

Unless otherwise noted, this article was written by Lloyd Duhaime, Barrister, Solicitor, Attorney and Lawyer (and Notary Public!). It is not intended to be legal advice and you would be foolhardy to rely on it in respect to any specific situation you or an acquaintance may be facing. In addition, the law changes rapidly and sometimes with little notice so from time to time, an article may not be up to date. Therefore, this is merely legal information designed to educate the reader. If you have a real situation, this information will serve as a good springboard to get legal advice from a lawyer.

top