Legal Definitions - Gazette

A Gazette is an official government publication, often resembling a newspaper, that serves as the formal record for public announcements, legal notices, and official government actions. It is the definitive source for information that requires official public notification, ensuring transparency and legal validity for various state and legal matters.

Here are some examples of how the term applies:

• Example 1: Official Appointments

  When a government officially appoints a new judge to a high court, or names a new ambassador to a foreign country, this significant decision is formally published in the Gazette. This publication ensures that the appointment is publicly announced, legally recognized, and officially recorded, making it binding and transparent for all citizens and international partners.

• Example 2: Company Insolvency

  If a business in a country like the UK or Australia becomes insolvent and enters into liquidation, a formal notice detailing the company's status and the appointment of a liquidator must be published in the Gazette. This notice is crucial for informing creditors, shareholders, and the general public about the company's legal situation, allowing them to take appropriate action and providing an official record of the insolvency proceedings.

• Example 3: New Legislation and Regulations

  After a new law or a significant set of regulations has been passed by a country's parliament or legislative body, its full text and effective date are officially published in the Gazette. This act of publication is essential for the law to become legally binding and enforceable, as it ensures that the public has official access to the exact wording of the new legislation and is formally notified of its existence.