A
loophole is an ambiguity or inadequacy in a system, such as a
law or
security, which can be used to circumvent or otherwise avoid the intent, implied or explicitly stated, of the system. Loopholes are searched for and used
strategically in a variety of circumstances, including
taxes,
elections,
politics, the
criminal justice system, or in breaches of security, or a response to one's civil liberties.