consent decree

noun

: a judicial decree that sanctions a voluntary agreement between parties in dispute

Examples of consent decree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The jail currently operates under a federal consent decree — which began after the death of another inmate — after dozens of inmates have died at the jail over the last decade. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 June 2025 The consent decree has forced changes in how the Police Department operates and shares information with the public. Tom Clark, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 The agreements, called consent decrees, are used as a monitoring system at police departments where the Justice Department has found a pattern of misconduct. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 Turmoil at the jail New Orleans’ jail has for more than a decade been subject to federal monitoring and a consent decree intended to improve conditions. Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for consent decree

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of consent decree was in 1822

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Cite this Entry

“Consent decree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consent%20decree. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Legal Definition

consent decree

see decree

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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