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Simple English definitions for legal terms
ratify
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A quick definition of ratify:
Term: Ratify
Definition: Ratify means to officially approve or make something legally binding. This can happen when a group of people, like a government or a company, agrees to a new rule or law. For example, when the United States Constitution was created, it needed to be ratified by at least nine states before it became official. In contract law, ratification can happen when someone accepts the benefits of a contract, like getting paid for a job. Even kids can ratify a contract when they become adults and agree to it. When something is ratified, it becomes official and everyone has to follow it.
A more thorough explanation:
Ratify means to approve or make legally binding an act that would not otherwise be binding without such approval. This can apply to constitutions, amendments, contracts, and actions taken by directors, officers, or employees.
- When nine states ratified the US Constitution, it became effective.
- The board of directors can ratify a potentially conflicted transaction by an officer or director.
- Accepting the benefits of a contract can ratify it, making it legally enforceable.
- A person who is under the legal age to enter into a contract may ratify it when they reach the age of majority.
- An employer can ratify the unauthorized actions of an employee, making them binding on the employer.
- Rank-and-file union members ratify their labor union's collective bargaining agreement.
These examples illustrate how ratification can make an act legally binding. For example, when nine states ratified the US Constitution, it became effective and established the framework for the federal government. Similarly, accepting the benefits of a contract can ratify it, making it legally enforceable. This means that if someone receives the benefits of a contract, they cannot later refuse to honor it.