Legal Dictionary
Ab Initio
Definition
From the beginning; often used to indicate that a document or act was void from its inception.
Deep Dive
"Ab initio" is a Latin term meaning "from the beginning." In legal contexts, it signifies that an act, document, or proceeding is considered null, void, or invalid from its very inception, as if it never existed. Unlike something that becomes voidable at a later stage, an "ab initio" invalidity implies a fundamental flaw present from the moment of creation, rendering it legally ineffective from day one.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1A contract signed under duress might be declared void *ab initio*
- 2A corporate resolution passed without the required quorum may be invalid *ab initio*
- 3A marriage entered into by someone who was already legally married could be considered void *ab initio*
Related Terms
VoidNull and VoidRescission