A Level Law Practice Exam

What does overruling mean in legal terms?

1. A precedent is declared outdated

2. A decision by a higher court that invalidates a lower court's ruling

3. Refusal to apply earlier decisions

4. An alternative interpretation of existing law

The correct answer is: A decision by a higher court that invalidates a lower court's ruling

Overruling in legal terms refers to a decision made by a higher court that invalidates or sets aside a ruling made by a lower court. This process occurs when the higher court determines that the lower court's interpretation of the law was incorrect or that the law has changed in such a way that the earlier decision can no longer stand as good law. When a court overrules a previous case, it signifies that the prior legal precedent no longer holds in the context of future cases. This is an important aspect of the legal system as it reflects the dynamic nature of law and the need for adaptations over time. Overruling can establish new precedents that lower courts are then required to follow, ensuring that the legal system evolves to address societal changes or legal developments. The other options describe different legal concepts but do not adequately capture the specific meaning of overruling. For example, declaring a precedent outdated may imply a change in legal standard but does not necessarily involve a higher court's active intervention, while refusal to apply earlier decisions speaks more to the doctrine of distinguishing rather than overruling. An alternative interpretation of existing law represents the act of interpreting legal texts in a different light, which does not inherently challenge or invalidate existing legal rulings.