Legal Definitions - oust

Oust (verb)

To oust someone means to legally or forcefully remove them from a position, property, or a right they previously held or were entitled to.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Property Dispute

  After failing to pay rent for several months, a landlord initiated legal proceedings to oust the tenant from the apartment. The court eventually issued an eviction order, legally removing the tenant from possession of the property.

  This example illustrates "oust" because the landlord, through legal means, removed the tenant from their possession of the apartment.

• Example 2: Corporate Governance

  Following a series of poor financial decisions that significantly damaged the company's reputation and profits, the board of directors voted unanimously to oust the CEO from their leadership position. A new CEO was appointed shortly after.

  Here, "oust" refers to the removal of the CEO from their executive position due to their performance, demonstrating a removal from a held role.

• Example 3: Inheritance Challenge

  A distant relative challenged a will, presenting evidence that the primary beneficiary had unduly influenced the deceased. If the court finds in favor of the challenger, it could effectively oust the original beneficiary from their inheritance, transferring the assets to the rightful heirs.

  In this scenario, "oust" describes the potential legal action that would deprive the original beneficiary of their expected right to inherit property or assets.