major federal action. Environmental law. An undertaking by a federal agency, or one that must be approved by a federal agency, that may have a significant impact on the environment, such as constructing an aqueduct or dam, constructing a highway through wetlands, or adopting certain agency regulations. • Under the National Environmental Policy Act, a […]
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majority rule. 1. The principle that a majority of a group has the power to make decisions that bind the group; the principle that in the choice of alternatives, the one preferred by the greater number is selected. • It is governance by the majority of those who actually participate, regardless of the number entitled
faction. A number of citizens, whether a majority or a minority, who are united and motivated by a common impulse or interest that is adverse to the rights of others or to the permanent or aggregate interests of the community. • This definition is adapted from The Federalist, No. 10.
major action. Environmental law. An undertaking that may have a significant impact on the environment, for which an environmental assessment usu. must be prepared under some state laws and under the National Environmental Policy Act. Cf. MAJOR FEDERAL ACTION. [Cases: Environmental Law 587.]
maritime flavor. The relation of a given case to shipping concerns. • This is a factor used in determining federal admiralty jurisdiction over a particular matter by analyzing whether the matter sufficiently relates to marine and shipping concerns and whether there is need for a federal response. [Cases: Admiralty 10(2), 17. C.J.S. Admiralty §§ 62–63.]