In legal terminology, what does "to quash" typically mean?

"To quash" in legal terminology refers to the act of rejecting, voiding, or annulment of an order, process, or decision. When a higher court quashes a lower court's ruling, it effectively cancels that ruling, rendering it ineffective or without legal force. This action is often taken when a court finds that the original decision was in error or not supported by sufficient legal grounds.

In the context of legal proceedings, quashing can apply to various situations, such as the dismissal of evidence, a subpoena, or even an entire case, due to issues like lack of jurisdiction or failure to meet required legal standards. Understanding the term is crucial for legal professionals, as it indicates a significant alteration in the legal status of a case or action.