Chevron deference
Chevron deference: A former doctrine, from Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. NRDC (1984), under which courts deferred to a federal agency's reasonable interpretation of an ambiguous statute it administers. The Supreme Court overruled it in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, 603 U.S. 369, 412 (2024): "Chevron is overruled. Courts must exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority, as the APA requires."
What chevron deference means
In short, chevron deference is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.
Where chevron deference comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
To research chevron deference, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Chain of title: the sequence of recorded transfers of an interest in property from earlier holders to the current one.
- Charge-off: an accounting entry in which a creditor writes off a debt as a loss on its books because it does not expect to collect it.
- Charter: a document that creates an organization or grants it rights and powers.
- Chattel: an item of personal property, meaning property other than land and buildings. Cars, furniture, livestock and equipment are chattels. Under UCC Article 9, a security interest in chattels is called a security interest in goods, and "chattel paper" is a record showing both a debt and a security interest in specific goods.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.