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
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Statutes at large is primarily used in the context of federal law and legislative history. Legal professionals, researchers, and historians refer to this compilation to understand the evolution of laws and their enactment. It is particularly relevant in areas such as:
Legislative research
Historical analysis of law
Understanding amendments to the Constitution
Users can utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to create documents related to these statutes, especially when dealing with amendments or resolutions that may affect their legal standing.
Key Legal Elements
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.
Common Misunderstandings
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
FAQs
It is a collection of laws passed by Congress, organized chronologically.
You can access it through Federal Depository Libraries or purchase printed sets.
No, it only includes laws enacted by Congress, not all legal provisions.
Statutes at large is chronological and includes various resolutions, while the United States Code is organized by subject matter.