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Nullification: meaning, definitions and examples

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nullification

 

[ˌnʌlɪfɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal process

The act of nullifying; cancellation of a legal decision, agreement, or transaction. It is often done through a formal declaration or court ruling.

Synonyms

annulment, cancellation, voiding.

Examples of usage

  • The nullification of the contract was due to a breach of terms by one of the parties.
  • After a lengthy legal battle, the nullification of the verdict brought relief to the defendant.
  • The nullification of the marriage was finalized after months of legal proceedings.
Context #2 | Noun

political context

The action of making something legally null and void; especially the repeal of a law.

Synonyms

invalidation, repeal, revocation.

Examples of usage

  • The nullification of the previous administration's policies was a key campaign promise.
  • The nullification of the tax law resulted in significant changes for businesses.
  • The nullification of the treaty was met with mixed reactions from the international community.
Context #3 | Noun

historical context

The doctrine that a state can invalidate any federal law which that state has deemed unconstitutional.

Synonyms

interposition, secession, state's rights.

Examples of usage

  • The concept of nullification was a hotly debated issue leading up to the Civil War.
  • Nullification was a central tenet of the states' rights movement in the 19th century.
  • The idea of nullification was enshrined in the political beliefs of certain states.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'nullificatio', meaning 'the act of making void'.
  • Originally derived from 'nullus', meaning 'not any' or 'no'
  • The term can be broken down: 'null' indicating nothing and 'fication' suggesting an action.

Historical Context

  • In U.S. history, nullification was notably used by states in the 1830s to refuse enforcement of federal laws.
  • The Nullification Crisis involved South Carolina attempting to nullify federal tariffs, leading to a major political conflict.
  • The idea challenged the balance of power between state rights and federal authority, a theme still relevant today.

Legal Studies

  • Nullification raises questions about the relationship between state and federal law, influencing cases and legal interpretations.
  • The concept suggests that states can refuse to enforce federal laws they find unconstitutional, though it's highly debated.
  • Some scholars argue that using nullification could undermine the unified legal system intended by the Constitution.

Political Theory

  • The debate around nullification relates to states’ rights, emphasizing the power and sovereignty of individual states.
  • Critics argue that nullification can lead to chaos, where every state might interpret and enforce laws differently.
  • Supporters view it as a check on federal power, posing questions about democratic governance and representation.

Cultural References

  • Nullification has inspired various political movements, often cited in discussions surrounding civil rights and liberties.
  • In contemporary discussions, terms similar to nullification appear in debates over sanctuary cities and immigration laws.
  • The concept has been popularized in media and literature as a symbol of protest against higher authority.

Translations

Translations of the word "nullification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anulação

🇮🇳 अमान्यता

🇩🇪 Annullierung

🇮🇩 pembatalan

🇺🇦 анулювання

🇵🇱 unieważnienie

🇯🇵 無効化 (むこうか)

🇫🇷 annulation

🇪🇸 anulación

🇹🇷 iptal

🇰🇷 무효화 (無效化)

🇸🇦 إبطال

🇨🇿 zrušení

🇸🇰 zrušenie

🇨🇳 取消

🇸🇮 razveljavitev

🇮🇸 ógilding

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 გაუქმება

🇦🇿 ləğv

🇲🇽 anulación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,691, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.