absolute priority rule
absolute-priority rule. Bankruptcy. The rule that a confirmable reorganization plan must provide for full payment to a class of dissenting unsecured creditors before a junior class of claimants will be allowed to receive or retain anything under the plan. • Some jurisdictions recognize an exception to this rule when a junior class member, usu. a partner or shareholder of the debtor, contributes new capital in exchange for an interest in the debtor. 11 USCA § 1129(b)(2)(B)(ii). [Cases: Bankruptcy 3561. C.J.S. Bankruptcy § 395.]
