nul·li·ty /'nə-lə-tē/ n pl -ties
1: the quality or state of being null
2: an act, proceeding, or contract void of legal effect compare impediment
absolute nullity in the civil law of Louisiana: a contract or act considered void by virtue of a transgression of the public order, interest, law, or morals
a bigamous marriage is an absolute nullity — Louisiana Civil Code; also: the quality or state of such a nullity
◇ A marriage that is an absolute nullity does not have to be annulled to terminate its legal effects (as property rights).
rel·a·tive nullity in the civil law of Louisiana: a nullity that can be cured by confirmation because the object involved is considered valid; also: the quality or state of such a nullity
◇ A contract that is a relative nullity may be annulled and the parties restored to their original positions. A marriage that is a relative nullity must be annulled to terminate the legal effects (as property rights) of the marriage.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.