Vested Rights
/ˈvɛstɪd raɪts/
Definitions
- (n.) Legal rights granted by law or contract that are secured and cannot be revoked without due process.
Once vested rights have been established, they are protected from arbitrary government interference.
- (n.) Rights that have become fixed or absolute, especially relating to property ownership or pension benefits.
The employee’s pension became a vested right after five years of service.
Forms
- vested rights
- vested right
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Vested rights often denote legally enforceable claims immune to retroactive alteration; distinguishing them from contingent or discretionary rights is critical in drafting and litigation.
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.