PoliticsAugust 10, 2026
preemption
pree-EMP-shun
Definition
The legal principle that a higher level of government—such as a state—can override or invalidate laws passed by a lower level of government—such as a city.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'praeemptio', meaning 'a buying beforehand'. It evolved from the historical practice of a government claiming the first right to purchase land before moving into the legal doctrine of federal or state authority overriding local law.
In the news
The article uses preemption to explain how state laws might supersede or negate the local right-to-repair ordinances being proposed in St. Paul. This is a critical legal hurdle for municipal consumer rights initiatives.
‘Right to Repair’ measure will appear on November ballot in St. Paul
Read the full article ↗Pioneer Press