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]