overturn a verdict; reverse a decision
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to overturn a verdict; to reverse a judgment; to exonerate
formalLegal term referring to the reversal of a wrongful conviction or unjust court ruling. Often involves lengthy appeals or retrials.
The lawyer spent ten years successfully overturning the verdict for his client.
This film tells the story of a father seeking to overturn the verdict for his son who was wrongfully imprisoned.
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New DNA evidence provided the possibility for overturning this long-standing case.
verb
to reverse a decision; to overturn a conclusion; to rehabilitate (a reputation)
formalBroader usage beyond legal contexts, including academic rehabilitation of historical figures, reversal of organizational punishments, or challenging established evaluations.
Historians are working hard to rehabilitate the reputation of this misunderstood scholar.
This revisionist article challenges the views of traditional historians.
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After review, the organization decided to reverse his case and revoke the punishment from that year.
This film attempts to rehabilitate the villain character, showing his complex humanity.