This study offers a comprehensive analysis of utilitas a central concept in Roman law
and its pivotal role in shaping legal interpretation. Moving beyond its traditional view as a
merely pragmatic tool utilitas is shown to guide legal outcomes that not only address
practical needs but also align with broader ethical values of righteousness and justice. It
argues that a complete understanding of utilitas in legal reasoning - both in meaning and
function - can only be achieved by synthesizing jurisprudential philosophical and rhetorical
perspectives. Through this interdisciplinary lens the book demonstrates that decisions made
utilitatis causa exceptional in their departure from established legal rules can only be
fully understood through the lens of rhetorical theory of legal interpretation offering a
framework that transcends the limitations of literal interpretation. Contributing to ongoing
scholarly discourse in Roman law legal theory and philosophy this study provides fresh
insights into a concept that remains central to contemporary discussions of legal
interpretation and justice.
