Legal Definitions - republication

Definition: The act of publishing something again or anew. This can refer to reestablishing the validity of a previously revoked will, or repeating or spreading a defamatory statement.

Example 1: A person creates a will, but later decides to revoke it. However, they change their mind and want to reinstate the original will. To do this, they must go through the process of republication, which involves repeating the formalities of execution or using a codicil to make the old will effective from the date of republication.

Example 2: A person spreads a false rumor about someone, damaging their reputation. Even if they later retract the statement, the damage has been done. If the false statement is repeated or spread more widely, this is considered republication of the defamatory statement.

These examples illustrate how republication can refer to both legal and ethical issues, such as the validity of a will or the harm caused by spreading false information.