Prior Rights
/ˈpraɪər raɪts/
Definitions
- (n.) Legal entitlements that take precedence over others, often established by law or prior claim.
The claimant asserted prior rights to the property based on an earlier lease agreement.
- (n.) Rights held by an individual or entity that must be respected before certain subsequent rights can be exercised or enforced.
The company had prior rights to use the water resource before the new developer applied for usage.
Related terms
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Commentary
Prior rights often govern conflicts in claims and may affect the validity or enforcement of subsequent rights; clarity in defining these rights is essential in contracts and property law.
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.