Legal Definitions - nisi decree

Definition: A court's decree that will become absolute unless the adversely affected party shows the court, within a specified time, why it should be set aside. It is a type of court order, especially in a matrimonial case, that is not yet final and can be changed or reversed.

Example: In a divorce case, a nisi decree is issued by the court, which means that the divorce is not yet final and can be challenged by either party within a certain time frame. If no objections are raised, the decree becomes absolute and the divorce is finalized.

This example illustrates how a nisi decree is a temporary court order that can be changed or reversed if necessary. It gives both parties a chance to contest the decision before it becomes final.