Hatályú

Hatályú is a Hungarian legal adjective used to describe a rule, document, contract, or provision that is currently in force and legally binding. It marks the status of validity from its effective date onward and until it is repealed or amended. The term derives from hatály, meaning force or effect, with the adjectival suffix -ú, yielding a form that literally means “having force.”

Usage and scope: The word is primarily found in formal or legal language to describe the status of acts such as laws, decrees, regulations, contracts, or amendments. A typical formulation uses a date to indicate the period of validity, for example: “A rendelet 2024. január 1-től hatályos.” In practice, hatályú is often used interchangeably with hatályos, though some style guides treat hatályos as the more common term for generally “in force,” with hatályú appearing in more instrument-specific contexts.

Related terms and distinctions: hatály refers to the scope or force of a rule (its applicability or effect). Phrases like hatályban van, hatályon kívül, hatályba lépés, and hatálytalanság describe whether something is currently in force, outside its force, coming into force, or being invalid, respectively. Although related, these terms emphasize different aspects of legal status and timing.

Notes: When writing, use hatályú consistently with a clear indication of the instrument’s validity and, if possible, the exact date of entry into force. In many texts, hatályos and hatályú appear side by side, but aim for consistency within a document to avoid ambiguity.