vested right

USAGE SUMMARY

"vested right" is a correct phrase in written English and can be used in certain contexts.
It refers to a legal or moral entitlement that cannot be taken away or challenged. Example: According to the constitution, every citizen has the vested right to freedom of speech and expression.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Stopping the project by denying the vested right Monday would have left the city liable for more than $30 million in damages for violating its "contractual duties" and $16,000 per day for delays, according to an April 11 letter from Belmont Park Associates attorney Steve Wall to the council.

Los Angeles Times

Stuart also suggests that individuals have no vested right to a particular set of judicial duties.

The Washington Post

Summing up for the dissenters, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg argued that the white firemen "had no vested right to promotion".

The Economist

Rep. 209, it was not such a vested right as was beyond the control of the legislature.

Cornell University

Why privilege pensions over everything else holding that, on being hired, one acquires a vested right to the continuation of pension rules, but not a vested right in the future state of anything else?

The Washington Post

"What appeals to me is to do it by a permit, so it's not a vested right that a restaurant has," Mr. Potter said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Until the donee beneficiary obtains vested rights, he is without power to affect the decisions made by the contracting parties.

Harvard University

There is also an argument that anyone who has already moved has vested rights under international law.

The Guardian

Mayor Bob Foster of Long Beach said he was glad to see Mr. Reed leading the charge against the legal doctrine of vested rights.

The New York Times

But God forbid the legislature should make any unfavorable prospective change in public employees' pension calculation formulas: those are vested rights.

The Washington Post

No building permit has been revoked, and the owner has vested rights that cannot be taken away by city politicians, without legal authority.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or contractual matters, ensure that you clearly define what constitutes a "vested right" in that specific context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that simply having a 'right' automatically means it is a "vested right". Vested rights typically require specific conditions to be met, such as completion of a service period or fulfillment of contractual obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vested right" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vested right" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a legally or morally protected entitlement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. The term indicates an established entitlement that cannot be easily taken away. When using this phrase, it's crucial to define the scope of the right clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Related phrases include "established entitlement" and "inalienable right", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. Knowing the nuances and proper use of "vested right" enhances clarity and precision in both legal and general discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inalienable right

Stresses that the right cannot be taken away.

constitutionally protected right

Highlights the constitutional protection afforded to the right.

established entitlement

Focuses on the formal establishment of the entitlement.

unassailable entitlement

Highlights that the entitlement cannot be successfully attacked or disputed.

guaranteed privilege

Highlights the guaranteed nature of the right or privilege.

legally secured claim

Focuses on the legal backing of the claim.

absolute prerogative

Emphasizes the unrestricted nature of the right.

protected interest

Highlights the legal protection afforded to the interest.

indefeasible title

Emphasizes the impossibility of defeating the title or right.

accrued advantage

Focuses on the advantage that has accumulated over time.

FAQs

How is "vested right" used in legal contexts?

In law, a "vested right" is an entitlement that cannot be impaired or taken away without due process. It often refers to rights that have been earned or have become absolute, such as pension benefits after a certain period of employment.

What is the difference between a "vested right" and a contingent right?

A "vested right" is currently enforceable, while a contingent right depends on future events or conditions. For example, an employee's right to a bonus might be contingent on the company achieving certain performance targets, becoming a "vested right" only if those targets are met.

Can a "vested right" ever be revoked?

While "vested rights" are strongly protected, they can be revoked under specific circumstances, such as through due process of law, if the right was obtained fraudulently, or if there is a compelling public interest that justifies the revocation.

What are some examples of "vested rights"?

Examples of "vested rights" include fully earned pension benefits, ownership of property after completing all purchase conditions, and certain contractual rights that cannot be unilaterally altered by one party. An "inalienable right" is very similar to a vested right, but is more focused on the moral aspect than the legal aspect.