decree

Intermediate ⚖️ Legal

Definition

An official order or decision issued by a legal or governmental authority, carrying the weight of law without requiring legislative approval. In equity courts, it's the judicial ruling that settles your divorce or bankruptcy. Essentially, it's when a judge or ruler says 'because I said so' with enforceable consequences.

Example Usage

The court issued a decree ordering the company to cease operations until environmental compliance standards were met.

Source: Legal terminology, court procedures

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