Quashing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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quashing
[ˈkwɒʃɪŋ ]
Definition
legal term
Quashing refers to the action of nullifying or rejecting a decision or ruling. In legal contexts, it often means an order issued by a higher court declaring that a lower court's decision is invalid. This process is integral to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is properly served. Quashing can occur in various legal scenarios, including appeals and judicial reviews, where it serves to correct errors that may have occurred in prior proceedings.
Synonyms
annulling, overturning, revoking, voiding.
Examples of usage
- The judge ruled quashing the previous verdict.
- The higher court is quashing the lower court's decision.
- She filed a petition for quashing the charges.
- The ruling was quashed due to a lack of evidence.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, quashing usually refers to a court's decision to annul or set aside a previous decision.
- A judge might quash a subpoena if it is deemed unreasonable or irrelevant to a case.
- Quashing can also relate to the dismissal of charges in a criminal case, leading to freedom for the accused.
Pop Culture
- Movies often feature characters that try to quash rebellion or dissent, showcasing the conflict between authority and freedom.
- In many stories, the attempt to quash an uprising often leads to greater consequences, demonstrating the resilience of those affected.
- Television dramas frequently depict legal battles that involve quashing motions, highlighting the intricacies of justice.
Psychology
- In psychological terms, quashing refers to suppressing emotions or thoughts, which can lead to increased stress.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy may help individuals learn to not quash their feelings but rather to address and understand them.
- Over time, consistently quashing feelings without resolution can lead to mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Literature
- Many authors use the concept of quashing to depict themes of censorship and the power struggle between the oppressed and the oppressor.
- Classic literature often features characters who face attempts to quash their ideas, bringing to light the fight for free expression.
- In dystopian genres, quashing dissent is a prevalent theme, showcasing the lengths to which governments or powers will go to maintain control.
Origin of 'quashing'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'quashen', meaning to crush or to press down.
- It has roots in the Old French term 'casser', which means to break, showing a long history of implying forceful termination.
- Originally, it was often used in legal contexts to describe the act of invalidating a decision or ruling.
The term 'quashing' can be traced back to the Latin word 'quassare,' which means 'to shake' or 'to shatter.' Over time, this evolved into Old French as 'quasser,' retaining the meaning of breaking or putting an end to something. The use of 'quash' in legal English emerged in the 15th century, primarily within the context of reviewing and rendering decisions from lower courts. Throughout its history, the application of the term has expanded, often being associated with judicial reviews and the protection of individual rights against governmental overreach. The modern usage emphasizes the formal nature of the process, highlighting its significance in maintaining the integrity of the legal system. Today, 'quashing' is predominantly used in legal jargon but can also find relevance in political discourse when discussing the invalidation of policies or actions.