consent decree

noun

, Law.

1. an agreement, approved by the court, pursuant to which the defendant ceases activities alleged by the government to be illegal and the government's action is dropped, especially in antitrust and other regulatory matters.
2. an agreement made in court by the parties to settle a suit in equity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of consent decree¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Finally, the judge dismissed both the contempt charge and the defamation countersuit, and the Trumps signed a consent decree, which Donald Trump said amounted to a “victory” because the Trump company had not admitted guilt.

From Salon

The city has agreed to make improvements to the pathway along the bluffs, add signs indicating that beach access is available to everyone and install stone benches along the bluffs, according to the consent decree.

From Los Angeles Times

McDonnell helped implement the federal consent decree that arose largely out of the Rampart corruption scandal, in which dozens of officers were accused of serious misconduct, including perjury and evidence tampering.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is an end run,” said Shira Scheindlin, the former federal judge who issued the ruling that led to the federal consent decree.

From Salon

The state later agreed in a 2018 consent decree to give full registration to new voters whose residence and citizenship could be confirmed through its motor vehicles department database.

From Los Angeles Times