Underlies
/ˌʌndərˈlaɪz/
Definitions
- (v.) To be the cause or basis of a legal principle, right, or obligation.
The statute underlies the parties' contractual duties.
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Commentary
Use 'underlies' to express that one legal concept forms the foundational support for another; often appears in judicial opinions explaining rationale.
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.