Obsolete Law

/ˈɒbsəliːt lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A law that is no longer in effect or enforced, often due to being superseded by newer legislation or judicial decisions.
    The court determined that the statute was an obsolete law and thus not applicable to the current case.

Commentary

Obsolete laws may remain on the books but lack legal force; understanding their status is crucial in legal research to avoid reliance on unenforceable rules.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app