Also known as: null · zero · nothing
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A Latin term denoting nothing or the complete absence of value or existence.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Nora Nash receives a forged deed purporting to transfer Blackacre from a stranger. Because the instrument is void, Nora acquires nil interest in the land. A subsequent purchaser without notice who records may still prevail under the applicable recording act.
The state attempts to impose civil damages on a newspaper for criticizing a public official. The reviewing court holds the state's power to do so is nil under the First Amendment as incorporated. The newspaper therefore faces no liability for the publication.
Nia Nkosi seeks a building permit but must grant a public easement across her lot. The condition bears nil relation to the proposed development's impact. The court invalidates the exaction as an unconstitutional taking.
Neil Nair sues in federal court under diversity jurisdiction for a state-law tort claim. The court determines that any federal general common law is nil and applies the law of the state where the events occurred. The outcome therefore turns on state precedent.
Northern Manufacturing holds a parcel subject to a new landmark designation. The company shows that its reasonable investment-backed expectations are nil because the regulation permits no economically viable use. The court finds a taking under the Penn Central factors.
Nancy Nelson challenges a municipal zoning ordinance that bars industrial development on her land. The ordinance leaves her with nil opportunity for the most profitable use. The court sustains the restriction as a valid exercise of police power.
Nil is a Latin term that means nothing or zero. Courts employ it to express the complete absence of a right, power, interest, or remedy.
Supporting sources
Yes. Nil is simply a contracted form of nihil, both signifying nothing. The two terms are treated as interchangeable in legal writing.
Supporting sources
A question may test whether a party acquires nil title under a forged deed or whether a governmental power is nil under the Constitution. The term signals total absence of the asserted interest or authority.
Supporting sources
…that if Mr. Lincoln wished time to consider his answers they would give it, but they had no doubt he ought to answer. There was nothing confidential required to be disclosed; if there had been, he was not obliged to answer it; nor was he obliged to state anything which would criminate himself; but the fact whether such…