Mrs. C. in 1887 wasn’t just being accused of overspending; she was being accused of the cardinal sin of womanhood: wanting to look beautiful for no practical reason. The term “frivolous” itself derives from the Latin frivolus , meaning “silly, trifling, of little value.” It’s a moral judgment wrapped in a legal term.
**Title: The Fabric of Authority: Deconstructing the "Frivolous Dress Order" frivolous dress order
Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, Section 523(a)(2)(C) creates a presumption of fraud for any “luxury goods” or services totaling more than $725 (adjusted for inflation) bought on a credit card within 90 days of filing for bankruptcy. While the law doesn’t define “luxury goods,” legal precedent consistently points back to that 1887 case. A winter coat? Necessary. A set of designer stilettos? Potentially frivolous. A bespoke suit for a job interview? Necessary. A velvet smoking jacket for lounging? Frivolous. The term “frivolous” itself derives from the Latin
: The "social butterfly" type was often criticized for her scantily-clad, irresponsible style , which traditionalists of the era viewed as an undisciplined and frivolous distraction from serious matters. 4. Why Style Isn't Truly Frivolous While the law doesn’t define “luxury goods,” legal