Weathering. Weathering is the alteration and breakdown of rock minerals and rock masses when they are exposed to the atmosphere. Weathering processes occur in situ, that is, in the same place, with no major movement of rock materials involved.
Lawful action, such as an agreement consciously agreed to by two or more entities, establishing lawful accountability. For example, an apartment lease legally binds the lessor and the lessee. An illegal action, such as forcing, tricking, or coercing a person into an agreement, is not legally binding.
Definition. Part of common law, consisting of judgments given by higher (appellate) courts in interpreting the statutes (or the provisions of a constitution) applicable in cases brought before them. Called precedents, they are binding on all courts (within the same jurisdiction) to be followed as the law in similar cases. Over time, these precedents are recognized, affirmed, and enforced by the subsequent court decisions, thus continually expanding the common law.