vital principle
life principle

The older authorities conceded a vital principle, but denied a soul, to the animals.

"We should reject this proposal and remain true to a principle so vital to the role and to the work of a lawyer."

We are all living creatures, animated by the same vital principle.

As long as this vital principle exists in the organisms, life continues.

Nonetheless, each side insisted that vital principles were at stake.

It is, rather, an opportunity for people of African descent to focus on principles vital to their survival with self-esteem.

In him some vital principle have in strange way found their utmost.

Information is another vital principle to enable the citizen to influence the provision of services.

That cannot be violated; it is a vital principle.

This landmark case has set a number of vital legal principles that have been followed, observed, and used in many legal cases.