Overrules

To overturn, set aside, or declare invalid a previous decision, ruling, or action. This often implies a higher authority intervening to reverse the judgment of a lower one, correcting a perceived error, or altering the course of events. It can be applied to legal contexts, where a higher court overrules a lower court, but also in broader situations, such as a manager overrules an employee's decision or a new policy overrules an old one. The act of overruling signifies the ultimate decision prevailing, regardless of initial choices or established plans.

Overrules meaning with examples

• The Supreme Court overrules the lower court's decision, citing a misinterpretation of the Constitution. This action sets a new precedent, changing the legal landscape concerning free speech. The impact ripples outwards, forcing all related cases to be reconsidered. Legal scholars will now re-examine past decisions, looking for inconsistencies.
• The manager, after reviewing the project proposal, overrules the team's chosen design. He believes the original choice, although cost-effective, lacks the desired aesthetic appeal and long-term viability. This caused immediate grumbles, requiring the team to redesign the project. The team leaders tried to argue against it, but in the end, the manager's judgment prevailed.
• Due to new evidence, the judge overrules his previous sentencing, lessening the punishment. This revised judgment shows flexibility based on the presentation of new facts. The defense team successfully persuaded the judge to reverse his decision on the punishment. The defendant will be released in the coming week.
• The new corporate policy explicitly overrules the existing, more relaxed dress code. This enforces a stricter professional standard for all employees. It creates the need to implement additional support in the form of employee guidance. This change has drawn mixed reactions from different employee demographics.
• The committee chair, exercising her authority, overrules the initial vote to adopt the proposal. She asserts that further discussion and revisions are needed before committing to the plan, potentially altering the final project. This leads to a delay to the process.