Legal Definitions - negative

The term "negative" can have several meanings in a legal context, often referring to something unfavorable, a denial, or the power to prevent an action.

• As an adjective, indicating an unfavorable outcome, condition, or impact; not positive:

  • Example 1: A city council conducting an environmental review for a new development might find a negative impact on local wildlife, leading them to deny the construction permit.

    Explanation: Here, "negative" describes an undesirable or harmful effect on the environment that influenced the council's decision.

  • Example 2: During contract negotiations, one party might raise concerns about the negative financial implications of a particular clause, suggesting it could lead to significant losses if agreed upon.

    Explanation: "Negative" refers to an adverse or disadvantageous financial outcome that could arise from the contract term.

• As an adjective, expressing denial, refusal, or disagreement; not affirmative:

  • Example 1: After reviewing all the evidence presented, the jury returned a negative verdict on the plaintiff's claim, meaning they did not find in favor of the plaintiff.

    Explanation: "Negative" signifies a rejection or denial of the claim presented by the plaintiff.

  • Example 2: A witness giving a deposition might provide a negative answer when asked if they ever saw the defendant at the crime scene, indicating they did not observe the defendant there.

    Explanation: "Negative" here means a "no" or a denial of the premise of the question asked to the witness.

• As a verb, to deny, nullify, or render ineffective:

  • Example 1: The appellate court decided to negative the lower court's ruling, meaning they overturned or invalidated the previous judgment, making it legally ineffective.

    Explanation: "Negative" as a verb means to cancel out, reverse, or make void a previous legal decision.

  • Example 2: A new piece of legislation might be introduced specifically to negative the effects of an older, outdated law, thereby rendering the older law's provisions ineffective or superseded.

    Explanation: Here, "negative" means to counteract, neutralize, or nullify the impact or force of something.

• As a noun, referring to the power to unilaterally reject or prevent a decision or action:

  • Example 1: The President used their constitutional negative to block a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law.

    Explanation: "Negative" refers to the President's authority to veto, effectively denying the bill's passage into law.

  • Example 2: In a corporate board meeting, a single director with significant voting power might exercise their negative to prevent a proposed merger from proceeding, even if other board members supported it.

    Explanation: This illustrates the power of one party to reject or stop an action, acting as a veto, despite broader support.