What is the definition of an overrule in legal terms?

In legal terms, to overrule means that a higher court has determined that a decision made by a lower court was incorrect. This process is essential in the judicial system, as it maintains a hierarchy of authority where higher courts have the power to correct errors made by lower courts. An overruled decision can lead to the reversal of the lower court's ruling, thereby establishing new legal interpretations or reaffirming existing laws.

This defines the higher court's role in ensuring that justice is served by correcting legal mistakes and shaping the law through appellate decisions. The ability to overrule decisions is fundamental to the development of legal precedent, reinforcing the importance of accurate judicial rulings.