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Nullification Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nullification

[หŒnสŒlษชfษชหˆkeษชสƒ(ษ™)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.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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 statesโ€™ 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.

Origin of 'nullification'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'nullification' has its roots in Latin, with 'nullus' meaning 'none' or 'no' and 'facere' meaning 'to make.' The concept of nullification has been historically significant in legal and political contexts, often representing the act of voiding or canceling something. In the United States, the idea of nullification was notably debated during the 19th century in relation to states' rights and federal laws. Today, nullification continues to be a topic of discussion in various legal and political spheres.

See also: annuller, nullifier, nullify.

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.