legalistic

adjective

1. Of a person, following the letter of the law.

- He's very legalistic, so let's hope the law is just and merciful as well as strict.

2. Of a person, tending to resort to the law, as one who sues frequently.

- His legalistic tendencies irritated his neighbors, especially since they had to defend themselves against his frivolous suits.

3. Practicing or characterized by legalism.

- She was legalistic in her observation of religious rules and traditions.