A fortiori - sustany/dvg GitHub Wiki

A fortiori signals an argument that it is based on an even stronger argument. In Latin, the term literally means �from [the] stronger�. A fortiori is generally used to suggest that an argument is based on another argument so strong as to make it unanswerable. An argument a fortiori may be rebutted, however, by challenging whether such a conclusion may truly be drawn from the stronger argument.

For example:

• In Bobby v. Van Hook, the court held that �what the Supreme Court has said of state requirements is a fortiori true of standards set by private organizations.�
• In Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co., the court held �that Congress may identify and redress the effects of society-wide discrimination does not mean that,�a fortiori,�the States and their political subdivisions are free to decide that such remedies are appropriate.�