Negative
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
This word has several significations.
1.
It is used in contradistinction to giving assent; thus we say the president has put his negative upon such a bill.
Vide Veto. 2.
It is also used in contradistinction to affirmative; as, a negative does not admit of the simple and direct proof of which an affirmative is capable.
Vide 2 Gall. Rep. 485; 1 M‘Cord, R. 573; 11 John. R. 513; 19 John. R. 345; 1 Pick. R. 375; Gilb. Ev. 145; 1 Stark. Ev. 376; Bull. N. P. 298; 15 Vin. Ab. 540; 5 Bac. Ab. 408.