Define: Cy Pres Doctrine

Cy Pres Doctrine
Cy Pres Doctrine
Definition Sources
Quick Summary of Cy Pres Doctrine

The Cy Pres Doctrine, derived from the French term “cy près comme possible,” meaning “as near as possible,” is a legal principle used primarily in the context of charitable trusts and class action lawsuits. It allows courts to modify the terms of a trust or the distribution of funds in a class action settlement when it becomes impracticable or impossible to carry out the original intent of the trustor or parties due to changed circumstances. Under this doctrine, courts can redirect trust assets or settlement funds to alternative charitable purposes or beneficiaries that are as close as possible to the original intent, ensuring that the trust’s or settlement’s objectives are still fulfiled effectively.

What is the dictionary definition of Cy Pres Doctrine?
Dictionary Definition of Cy Pres Doctrine
n. (see-pray doctrine) from French, meaning "as close as possible." When a gift is made by will or trust (usually for charitable or educational purposes), and the named recipient of the gift does not exist, has dissolved or no longer conducts the activity for which the gift is made, then the estate or trustee must make the gift to an organisation which comes closest to fulfilling the purpose of the gift. Sometimes this results in heated court disputes in which a judge must determine the appropriate substitute to receive the gift. Example: dozens of local Societies for Protection of Cruelty to Animals contested for a gift which was made without designating which chapter would receive the benefits. The judge wisely divided up the money among several S.P.C.A. chapters.
Related Phrases
No related content found.
Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.

Cite Term

To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.

  • Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/cy-pres-doctrine/
  • Modern Language Association (MLA):Cy Pres Doctrine. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 06 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/cy-pres-doctrine/.
  • Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Cy Pres Doctrine. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/cy-pres-doctrine/ (accessed: May 06 2024).
  • American Psychological Association (APA):Cy Pres Doctrine. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 06 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/cy-pres-doctrine/
Definition Sources
Previous Definition
Next Definition