Overrule

To overrule is a verb that means to reject, revoke, or invalidate a decision, opinion, or ruling made by someone, often an authority figure or a previous decision. This action typically occurs in legal, political, or organizational contexts where one authority has the power to overturn the decisions or judgments made by another. It implies a higher level of authority overriding a lower level's choice, aiming to correct, modify, or annul that decision based on a different perspective or interpretation.

Overrule meaning with examples

• In a landmark case, the Supreme Court chose to overrule several lower court decisions, establishing a new legal precedent that significantly altered the interpretation of constitutional rights. This move highlighted the court's vital role in shaping the law and reinforced the notion that rulings could evolve with changing social contexts.
• During the company meeting, the CEO decided to overrule the board's recommendation for a merger, emphasizing the need for independent growth instead. His decision shocked many within the boardroom, but he believed that taking a different direction would ultimately benefit the company's long-term strategy and innovation efforts.
• The judge opted to overrule the objections raised by the defense attorney, permitting crucial evidence to be presented during the trial. This decision was met with frustration from the defense, who felt it compromised the fairness of the trial but was justified by the judge's interpretation of legal standards.
• When the city council voted to ban public smoking, a powerful lobby group petitioned to overrule the decision, arguing it infringed on personal freedoms. This sparked a heated debate within the community, showcasing the tension between public health initiatives and individual rights.
• In the debate, the chairperson had to overrule a point of order made by one of the members, clarifying that the discussion was still within the scope of the agenda. This action ensured that the meeting continued to flow smoothly and that all voices could be heard while maintaining structure.