title: Validation class hierarchy override
body: <p>Is it possible to override the class hierarchy for hibernate/javax validation?
  Or how to override the parameter validation by extending a class?</p>
  
  <p>Using the <code>@Valid</code> annotation and having setup the javax validation annotations in my class. I want to have an extended class where the validation is removed.
  I found that hibernate validation loops through the entire class hierarchy, and checks for validation even in the super classes.
  I use this from a Json based REST API set up with Spring MVC. </p>
  
  <p>Example:</p>
  
  <pre><code>public class Parent {
      protected Integer numChildren;
  
      @NotNull(message = "NumChildren has to be set.") 
      @Size(min 1, max 10, message = "A partent has to have at least one kid.")
      public Integer getNumChildren() {
          return numChildren;
      }
  
      public void setNumChildren(Integer numChilds) {
          this.numChildren = numChilds;
      }
  }
  
  public class Child extends Parent {
  
      // A child doesnt have to have kids, but can, so I want to override this parameter
      // and remove the validation requirement, and make it just optional.
      @Override
      public Integer getNumChildren() {
          return super.numChildren;
      }
  }
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Best Regards,
  Markus</p>