Legal Definitions - unanimous consent

Unanimous consent refers to a situation where every single person involved in a decision-making process agrees to a particular action, proposal, or outcome without any dissent or objection. It signifies complete and total agreement among all parties whose approval is required for a decision to be made or an action to be taken.

• Example 1: Homeowners' Association Rule Change

  Imagine a small condominium association where the bylaws state that any significant change to the community rules, such as prohibiting short-term rentals, requires the unanimous approval of all unit owners. For this new rule to be adopted, every single owner must explicitly agree to it. If even one owner objects or withholds their consent, the rule cannot be passed under the unanimous consent requirement.

  This example illustrates unanimous consent because it highlights that 100% agreement from all designated parties (the unit owners) is essential for the decision to be valid. The absence of even a single dissenting voice is critical.

• Example 2: Jury Verdict in a Civil Trial

  In certain jurisdictions, a jury in a civil lawsuit might be instructed that their verdict on a key issue, such as whether a defendant is liable for damages, must be unanimous. After lengthy deliberations, all twelve jurors must agree on the same conclusion. If one juror holds a different opinion and cannot be persuaded, the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, potentially leading to a "hung jury" and a mistrial.

  This scenario demonstrates unanimous consent because it requires every member of the jury to concur on the final decision. The legal process demands complete agreement from each individual juror for a valid verdict to be rendered.

• Example 3: Legislative Body Expediting a Motion

  During a city council meeting, a council member might want to quickly pass a routine or non-controversial motion, such as approving the minutes from the previous meeting, without going through a formal vote. The council member could ask for "unanimous consent" to approve the minutes. If no other council member present voices an objection, the motion passes immediately without the need for a roll-call vote.

  Here, unanimous consent is shown by the absence of any objection from any member of the council. The implied agreement of everyone present, indicated by their silence or lack of opposition, allows the action to proceed efficiently.