"Legalistic" refers to someone who places strict adherence to the rules and laws above all else. They tend to focus solely on what is permitted or forbidden by law, without considering the spirit or intent behind it. Full definition
She suggests that the sacrament of penance leads us «to understand individual wrongdoing not in legalistic terms as a violation of the law (which it sometimes is) but as a violation of relationships.» (firstthings.com)
In an attempt to atone for past mistakes, in an effort to compel God to send another prophet to them, the people became legalistic with the law. (redeeminggod.com)
Your blog started me on my way, and I'm SO thankful yours is the first I read, because you softly set the tone for my often too legalistic ways of making decisions. (paleospirit.com)