What term is often used to refer to major principles of law?

The term "doctrines" is often used to refer to major principles of law because it encompasses established legal theories and foundational concepts that guide judicial decisions. These doctrines are broadly recognized by courts and can have significant implications for various areas of law. They can be derived from statutes, case law, or legal scholarship and are essential in understanding how laws are applied and interpreted.

In contrast, case statutes refer specifically to laws enacted by legislative bodies and may not capture the broader theoretical underpinnings of the law. Acts are also legislative outcomes but focus more on specific pieces of federal or state legislation rather than overarching principles. Citations are references used to locate legal cases, statutes, or articles in legal documents, serving a functional role rather than representing principles of law. As such, doctrines stand apart as the term that best encapsulates the major, foundational principles in legal theory.