Exploring Statutes at Large: A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

Statutes at large is a comprehensive collection of laws passed by Congress, organized in chronological order. Unlike other legal compilations, these statutes are not categorized by topic and do not provide details on how new laws interact with existing ones. This collection also includes concurrent resolutions, reorganization plans, proposed amendments to the Constitution, and presidential proclamations. It is published by the Office of the Federal Register and is available only in printed sets through the Superintendent of Documents or at Federal Depository Libraries.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A researcher looking into the historical context of a specific law may consult the Statutes at large to find the original text and date of enactment.

Example 2: A legal professional may reference the Statutes at large when preparing a brief that discusses the implications of a recent amendment to the Constitution. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Statutes at large A chronological collection of laws enacted by Congress. Not organized by subject; includes resolutions and proclamations.
United States Code A compilation of federal laws organized by subject. Organized by topics; does not include all resolutions and proclamations.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to reference laws from the Statutes at large, consider visiting a Federal Depository Library or purchasing a set from the Superintendent of Documents. For legal matters related to these statutes, you may find it helpful to use US Legal Forms' templates to draft necessary documents. If your situation is complex, consulting with a legal professional is advisable.

Quick facts

  • Published by the Office of the Federal Register
  • Available only in printed format
  • Includes laws, resolutions, and presidential proclamations
  • Not organized by subject matter

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It is a collection of laws passed by Congress, organized chronologically.