DEVIATION DOCTRINE

deviation  doctrine. 1.  A principle allowing  variation from a term  of a  will  or trust to avoid

defeating the document’s purpose. 2. A principle allowing an agent’s activity to vary slightly from

the scope of the principal’s permission. 3.Maritime law. The rule that a carrier loses the benefit of

its  limitations  and  exemptions  under  the  Carriage  of  Goods  by  Sea  Act  if  a  deviation  from  the

terms  of  the  bill  of  lading  is  unreasonable,  but  does  not  if  it  is  reasonable.  [Cases:  Insurance

3059. C.J.S. Insurance § 768.] [Blacks Law 8th]