The adjective 'unratifiable' describes something that cannot be formally approved, confirmed, or made valid, often applied to treaties, agreements, contracts, or laws. This inability to be ratified usually stems from a violation of constitutional processes, a lack of necessary support, or a fundamental incompatibility with existing legal frameworks or public sentiment. An 'unratifiable' document is essentially unenforceable through the intended ratification process, rendering it null or significantly weakened in its legal standing. The reason for a treaty or other document being 'unratifiable' would need to be explained by an outside legal party, or an analysis of the original text.
Unratifiable meaning with examples
- The proposed amendment to the constitution was deemed unratifiable due to its conflict with existing fundamental rights, making it a moot point for legislative debate. Even if it were voted on and won, it would fail, rendering it unratifiable. Legal experts and the opposing politicians agreed with this decision.
- The trade agreement with the foreign nation was considered unratifiable by the Senate, as the terms included clauses that were clearly detrimental to the nation's economic interests. It was thought that if the treaty would go forward, it would do considerable damage to the economy.
- Despite widespread initial support, the new environmental protection law became unratifiable after key provisions were found to be in violation of existing international agreements. The government tried to get around this, but it was ruled against by the courts.
- The original contract for the construction project was declared unratifiable due to its ambiguous wording, making it impossible for the courts to clarify the requirements. This caused the contract to be rejected, and a new one created.
- The peace treaty, negotiated under duress, was ultimately ruled unratifiable because it lacked the required consent of all involved parties, and was ultimately disregarded by the involved nations.