A perpetual statute is a law that remains in effect indefinitely unless it is explicitly repealed by another law. This means that the statute does not have a predetermined end date and continues to govern the subject matter it addresses until a specific act is taken to remove it. The absence of a time limitation is a key characteristic of perpetual statutes.
Perpetual statutes are often encountered in various areas of law, including civil law, administrative law, and regulatory frameworks. They can be crucial in establishing ongoing legal obligations or rights. For instance, a perpetual statute might govern land use or environmental regulations, requiring compliance until it is formally repealed.
Users may find it beneficial to utilize legal forms and templates available through US Legal Forms to navigate the implications of perpetual statutes in their specific situations.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A state law that establishes zoning regulations for residential areas may be a perpetual statute, remaining in effect until a new law is enacted to modify or repeal it.
Example 2: A law that mandates environmental protections for certain species could also be considered a perpetual statute, continuing to apply until it is expressly revoked by legislative action. (hypothetical example)
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Perpetual Statute Characteristics |
|---|---|
| California | Perpetual statutes can be repealed by a simple majority vote in the legislature. |
| Texas | Requires a two-thirds majority for repeal of certain perpetual statutes. |
| New York | Perpetual statutes are subject to judicial review, which may affect their enforcement. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary statute | A law that is in effect for a limited period. | Unlike perpetual statutes, temporary statutes have a defined expiration date. |
| Repealable statute | A law that can be revoked at any time by legislative action. | Perpetual statutes remain until explicitly repealed, while repealable statutes may be revoked more easily. |
If you believe a perpetual statute affects your rights or obligations, consider the following steps:
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A perpetual statute is a law that remains in effect indefinitely until it is repealed by another law.