Nullification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Nullification" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to law, politics, or the act of invalidating something. An example: "The state's attempt at nullification of the federal law sparked a heated debate." Alternative expressions include "repeal" and "annulment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's going to be a de facto nullification.

The Economist

But to people like Mr Eckerstrom in Pima County, the mere attempt to pass a "nullification" law was too much to bear, suggesting that Maricopa, claiming to speak for Arizona, wants in effect to secede from America.

The Economist

Ron Paul headlined his last rally, held in Richmond, and here are some highlights from his speech: "I've been working on the assumption that nullification is going to come.

The Economist

A teachable moment presents itself.The technical term to describe Kansas's legislative move is "nullification".

The Economist

The civil war put an end to southern nullification efforts, but the idea sprang up again when several states registered intransigent opposition to school desegregation efforts in the 1950s.

The Economist

South Carolina repealed its nullification ordinance, but at the same time it declared the Force Act null and void.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bhutto refused to form a government with this separatist party, causing a nullification of the election.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although his deposition and its nullification following Agatho's injunctions were reissued by popes SS.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Late in his life Johnson angered many in his state by his circuit court decision in Holmes v. United States (1832), rejecting state nullification of federal statutes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her political positions were steadfastly conservative, and she notably argued for the nullification of federal laws that were in conflict with states' rights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

John C. Calhoun furthered the nullification doctrine in his South Carolina Exposition and Protest, published and distributed by the South Carolina legislature (without Calhoun's name on it) in 1829.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or political concepts, ensure the context clearly defines the scope of "nullification" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether it pertains to federal laws, state actions, or other jurisdictions.

Common error

Avoid equating "nullification" with secession. While both relate to state versus federal power, nullification seeks to invalidate specific laws within a state, whereas secession aims for complete withdrawal from the union.

Linguistic Context

Nullification functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of nullifying or invalidating something. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts concerning laws, elections, and historical events, highlighting its role in political and legal discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

33%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nullification" is a noun referring to the act of invalidating or nullifying something, often in a legal or political context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is frequently used in formal settings like encyclopedias and news media to discuss historical and constitutional matters. Related phrases include "invalidation", "repeal", and "annulment", each with nuances in meaning. When writing about "nullification", avoid confusing it with "secession" and clearly define the scope to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Invalidation

Focuses on the act of making something legally or officially invalid.

Repeal

Emphasizes the revocation or annulment of a law or agreement.

Annulment

Specifically refers to the legal cancellation of a marriage or contract.

Abrogation

Implies the formal abolishment of a law or right.

Rescission

Highlights the cancellation of a contract or agreement, returning parties to their original positions.

Revocation

Focuses on the official cancellation of a decree, permit, or privilege.

Overruling

In a legal context, signifies reversing a previous decision or precedent.

Voiding

Highlights rendering something ineffective or without legal force.

Quashing

Implies the suppression or invalidation of an indictment or order.

Setting aside

Focuses on the act of reversing or vacating a judgment or decision.

FAQs

How is "nullification" used in legal discussions?

"Nullification" typically refers to a legal theory where a state attempts to invalidate or nullify a federal law they deem unconstitutional within their boundaries. The historical context, such as the Nullification Crisis in the 1830s, often frames these discussions.

What is the difference between "nullification" and "secession"?

"Nullification" involves a state attempting to invalidate a federal law within its borders, while "secession" is the act of a state withdrawing from the union entirely. They are distinct concepts concerning state versus federal power.

What's a more modern way to say "nullification"?

While "nullification" has historical and legal weight, you might use terms like "invalidation", "repeal", or "overruling" depending on the specific context of the legal or political action you are describing.

Is "nullification" still a relevant legal concept today?

While the legal theory of "nullification" has been largely discredited by Supreme Court rulings, the underlying tensions between state and federal power continue to be debated, often framed in terms of states' rights and federal overreach.