a fortiori

This adverb is used to indicate that a stronger, more persuasive or more conclusive reason or principle exists to promote an argument than the one primarily relied upon or under consideration. The words a fortiori used to emphasise that there are other more compelling grounds to reach the conclusion expressed in the particular state of affairs or argument.

For instance, in a case for passing off, the fact that the defendant has actually deceived the public into believing that the defendant was holding out his business as that of the claimant is good grounds for a determination that the defendant should be held liable for passing off; a fortiori if the defendant intended to pass off his business as that of the claimant. That is to say, the defendant may have already committed the acts required to make out a case for passing off - more so if the defendant intended to deceive the public.

[Latin: With stronger reason or force]

Usage: The defendant was liable for damages as a result of the copyright infringement; a fortiori because the infringement was deliberate and repetitous after the defendant was put on notice that he was infringing the rights of the claimant.

Related Words: a priori; a posteriori.