val·id /'va-ləd/ adj
1: having legal efficacy or force
a valid license; esp: executed with proper authority and form
a valid contract
a valid search
2: having a legitimate basis: justifiable
a valid reason for terminating the employee
3: appropriate to the end in view
va·lid·i·ty /və-'li-də-tē/ n
val·id·ly adv
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.