Legal Definitions - dominate

Dominate

To dominate means to exert significant control, influence, or power over a person, entity, or situation, often to the extent of having a superior or commanding position.

• Example 1: Market Control
  A single technology company holds patents on a crucial component used in nearly all smartphones worldwide and controls 90% of its global production. This company can largely dictate the price and supply terms for this component, making it extremely difficult for other manufacturers to compete or for device makers to find alternative suppliers.

  This illustrates domination because the company's overwhelming control over a vital resource allows it to dictate terms and effectively master that specific market segment.

• Example 2: Contractual Power
  During negotiations for a major construction project, a large, well-established development firm presents a non-negotiable contract to a small, independent subcontractor. The subcontractor, eager for the work, has no leverage to request changes to the unfavorable payment terms or liability clauses.

  Here, the development firm dominates the contractual agreement by using its superior bargaining power to dictate all the terms, leaving the subcontractor with no real ability to influence the outcome.

• Example 3: Judicial Precedent
  In a particular area of environmental law, a landmark Supreme Court decision from 30 years ago established a very strict interpretation of a specific statute. Despite subsequent legislative attempts to modify the statute, lower courts consistently apply the original Supreme Court ruling, making it the prevailing legal standard.

  The Supreme Court's original decision dominates the interpretation of the environmental statute, as its precedent exerts controlling influence over how all subsequent cases in that area are decided.