Legal Definitions - contravene

To contravene means to act in a way that violates, opposes, or goes against a law, rule, agreement, or principle. It implies a direct conflict or defiance.

• Example 1: Violating a Regulation

  A local restaurant was found to be disposing of its cooking oil directly into the municipal sewage system, despite clear city health regulations prohibiting such practices. The restaurant's actions contravened the city's environmental and health regulations by directly violating the established rules for waste disposal.

• Example 2: Breaching an Agreement

  A freelance graphic designer signed a contract with a client that included a clause stating all design files would remain the intellectual property of the client upon project completion. However, the designer later used elements from that project in a portfolio piece for a different client. This action contravened the terms of the original contract, as it went against the agreed-upon intellectual property rights.

• Example 3: Conflicting with a Principle or Law

  A new policy proposed by a university administration sought to ban all student protests on campus grounds. Many students argued that this policy would contravene their fundamental right to freedom of speech, which is protected by national laws and the university's own charter. Here, the proposed policy is seen as being in direct conflict with or contrary to a recognized legal and ethical principle.