Legal Definitions - revision

Revision refers to the process of carefully reviewing, reexamining, or rewriting something, typically a document or a decision, with the aim of correcting errors, improving its content, or making it more accurate and consistent. In a legal context, it often involves a formal process to amend or reconsider an official record or ruling.

• Example 1: Organizational Policy Update

  A non-profit organization's board of directors decides to undertake a comprehensive revision of its bylaws. This involves a thorough review of every section, allowing for amendments to update membership criteria, clarify voting procedures, and ensure compliance with new state regulations for non-profit entities.

  This example illustrates revision as a complete reexamination and rewriting of a governing document (the bylaws) to improve its functionality and ensure it remains current and legally sound.

• Example 2: Contractual Agreement Amendment

  A software development company performs an annual revision of its standard client service agreement. Based on feedback from past projects and evolving industry standards, they update clauses related to intellectual property ownership, data privacy, and project delivery timelines to provide greater clarity and protection for both parties.

  Here, revision involves reviewing and amending a legal contract to make it more precise, effective, and aligned with current business practices and legal requirements.

• Example 3: Administrative Decision Reconsideration

  After an administrative licensing board issues a decision denying a professional license, the applicant submits new, compelling evidence that was not available during the initial hearing. The board may reconvene for a revision of its original decision, but only if this reconsideration would not unfairly disadvantage the applicant or compromise the integrity of the licensing process.

  This demonstrates revision as a formal reexamination of a prior official decision by an administrative body to correct a potential error or inconsistency, with the crucial condition that it must not unfairly prejudice the affected party.