WorldAugust 10, 2026
severability
sev-uh-ruh-BIL-uh-tee
Definition
A legal principle stating that if one part of a statute or contract is found to be unconstitutional or unenforceable, the remaining valid parts can still be severed and remain in effect.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'separare,' meaning to separate, through the Middle English 'sever.' In legal contexts, it evolved to describe the capacity for a law to be divided into distinct parts.
In the news
The article uses the term to discuss whether parts of Arizona’s school voucher program can be upheld if other specific provisions are struck down by the courts. It is a critical component in legal disputes where only sections of a law face constitutional challenges.
Arizona’s Prop 145 voucher fight heads back to Supreme Court
Read the full article ↗Arizona Capitol Times