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Overruling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overruling

[oʊ.vərˈruː.lɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Overruling refers to the act of rejecting or invalidating a decision or order made by a lower authority. This term is commonly used in legal settings where a higher court may overrule a previous ruling made by a lower court, thus altering the course of a case or legal precedent.

Synonyms

annulling, invalidating, rejecting, reversing.

Examples of usage

  • The Supreme Court overruled the lower court's decision.
  • The judge eventually overruled the objection raised by the defense.
  • The appellate court overruled several key findings from the trial.
  • The committee overruled the initial proposal after further consideration.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal settings, a judge has the power to overrule objections or previous rulings to ensure fair proceedings.
  • Overruling can lead to landmark cases, changing the direction of law and influencing future decisions.

Cultural Impact

  • Many stories, movies, and plays depict characters overruling decisions as a way to challenge authority and promote justice.
  • Historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. challenged unjust laws, symbolically overruling the status quo.

Psychology

  • In group dynamics, a dominant person can overrule opinions, impacting decision-making processes and outcomes.
  • Studies show that people may feel less valued when their ideas are overruled, affecting group morale.

Literature

  • Overruling decisions creates tension in narratives, as characters face moral dilemmas about power and control.
  • Classic literature often explores themes of rebellion against 'overruling' authorities, reflecting societal struggles.

Origin of 'overruling'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from Middle English, where 'over' means 'above' and 'rule' means 'to control' or 'govern'.
  • It combines the Latin roots 'super' (over) and 'regere' (to rule), reflecting the concept of higher authority.

The term 'overrule' stems from Middle English, derived from the prefix 'over-', meaning 'above' or 'beyond', combined with the verb 'rule', which has its roots in Old French 'riule', and Latin 'regula'. The concept has evolved primarily within the legal domain, where a judge or higher authority essentially 'rules over' a previous decision. This reflects the hierarchical structure of legal systems, where higher courts maintain the power to modify, reject, or endorse the rulings of lower courts. Historically, the practice of overruling has shaped legal precedents and has been pivotal in civil rights advancements and pivotal cases, showcasing ongoing interpretations of law and justice.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,012, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.