Legal Definitions - defeat

In legal terms, "to defeat" means to overcome, invalidate, or prevent the successful realization or enforcement of a claim, right, argument, or purpose.

• Example 1: Overcoming a Legal Argument

  Imagine a lawsuit where a plaintiff claims they were injured due to a faulty product. During the trial, the defense attorney presents compelling expert testimony and scientific data demonstrating that the product was not defective and the injury was caused by misuse. This evidence would work to defeat the plaintiff's claim of product liability.

  Explanation: Here, "defeat" means the defense successfully overcame and nullified the plaintiff's argument, preventing them from proving their case and winning damages.

• Example 2: Invalidating a Right or Title

  Consider a situation where someone attempts to purchase a piece of land, believing it has a clear title. However, a thorough title search reveals an old, unrecorded easement granting a neighbor the right to cross the property. This previously unknown easement could defeat the buyer's expectation of owning the land free from encumbrances, potentially making the title less valuable or even invalidating the sale if the buyer insists on a clear title.

  Explanation: In this context, "defeat" refers to the easement rendering the expected clear title ineffective or invalid, preventing the buyer from acquiring the property exactly as intended.

• Example 3: Preventing a Legislative Purpose

  A city council passes a new ordinance with the goal of reducing traffic congestion in the downtown area by limiting parking. However, a last-minute amendment is added that exempts all delivery vehicles from the new parking restrictions during peak hours. This amendment could inadvertently defeat the ordinance's primary purpose of alleviating traffic, as delivery vehicles might still contribute significantly to congestion.

  Explanation: Here, "defeat" means the amendment frustrates or prevents the successful achievement of the ordinance's intended goal, making it less effective in practice.