cassation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical/Legal
Quick answer
What does “cassation” mean?
The annulment, overturning, or setting aside of a court's judgment, especially by a higher court.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The annulment, overturning, or setting aside of a court's judgment, especially by a higher court.
In a broader sense, refers to the act or process of annulling or invalidating a legal decision, decree, or official act. In French legal systems, it specifically refers to the jurisdiction of the Cour de Cassation, the supreme court for civil and criminal matters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'cassation' is primarily understood within the context of international or European law. In American English, the term 'overturning', 'reversal', or 'vacating' is far more common for the same concept in domestic contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties share a formal, legalistic connotation. However, its use in British English might more readily evoke the French legal system or the European Court of Justice.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally more likely to be encountered in British texts discussing European law.
Grammar
How to Use “cassation” in a Sentence
the cassation of [a judgment/verdict/decision]to seek/apply for cassationa petition/appeal for cassationto be subject to cassationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cassation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Supreme Court may cassate the lower court's ruling on a point of European law.
American English
- The appellate court moved to cassate the judgment due to a procedural irregularity. (Note: 'cassate' as a verb is exceedingly rare even in American English).
adverb
British English
- The judgment was overturned cassationally. (Note: Extremely rare formation).
American English
- The court acted cassationally in reviewing the pure legal error. (Note: Virtually never used).
adjective
British English
- The cassation petition was filed within the statutory deadline.
American English
- The lawyer specialised in cassation proceedings before federal benches. (Note: 'cassation' itself is primarily a noun used attributively).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused in standard business contexts.
Academic
Used in academic papers on comparative law, European law, or legal history.
Everyday
Extremely rare and unlikely to be understood by non-specialists.
Technical
Core term in legal contexts, especially those dealing with civil law systems and supranational courts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cassation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cassation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cassation”
- Using it as a synonym for any appeal.
- Mispronouncing it as /kæˈseɪʃən/ in British contexts (where the first vowel is typically a schwa).
- Using it in non-legal contexts where 'cancellation' or 'revocation' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'appeal' is a general request for a higher court to review a lower court's decision. 'Cassation' is a specific type of appeal, prevalent in civil law systems, where the higher court (Court of Cassation) only reviews the lower court's application and interpretation of the law, not the facts of the case.
No. It is a highly technical legal term. Using it in everyday conversation will likely cause confusion. Terms like 'overturned', 'annulled', or 'reversed' are appropriate for general use.
The primary form is a noun. The verb 'to cassate' exists but is exceptionally rare and stylistically marked. In most contexts, lawyers and judges would use phrases like 'to quash', 'to annul', 'to overturn' instead.
The primary difference is in the first vowel. British English typically uses a neutral schwa (/ə/) in the unstressed first syllable, following a common pattern. American English often retains a more distinct vowel quality (/æ/) in similar Latinate words, reflecting different historical pronunciation tendencies.
The annulment, overturning, or setting aside of a court's judgment, especially by a higher court.
Cassation is usually formal, technical/legal in register.
Cassation: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈseɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kæˈseɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The long arm of cassation reaches even final judgments.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CASSette tape' being 'ERASED' (annulled) by a powerful magnet (a higher court). Cassation = erasing a legal decision.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A STRUCTURE: Cassation is the dismantling or demolition of a faulty part (a judgment) of that structure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'cassation' most appropriately used?