De minimis non curat lex

Meaning: The law does not concern itself with trifles.
Explanation: Courts may refuse to adjudicate trivial matters that waste resources or are disproportionate to the harm. This principle protects judicial time and keeps the law focused on meaningful disputes. However, what counts as ‘de minimis’ can be contested.
Example: A student complaining to a court over a tiny fine for a chalk mark may be told it’s a de minimis issue better settled informally.