The United States Statutes at Large is a permanent collection of all laws and resolutions enacted during each session of Congress. It serves as a comprehensive record of the legislative history of the United States, providing a chronological compilation of all public and private laws, resolutions, and treaties approved by Congress. To accurately cite statutes from the United States Statutes at Large, it is essential to understand the structure and components of such citations.
Understanding the Structure of United States Statutes at Large Citations
A typical citation for a statute in the United States Statutes at Large includes the volume number, the abbreviation “Stat.”, and the page number on which the statute can be found. For example, a citation might read: “123 Stat. 456.” This means the statute is located in volume 123 of the Statutes at Large, on page 456. This format is crucial for legal researchers, scholars, and practitioners to locate specific laws and understand their historical context.
Components of a Statutes at Large Citation
Breaking down the components of a citation: - Volume Number: The volume number represents the specific collection of statutes from a particular period. Volumes are numbered sequentially, starting from the first session of the first Congress. - “Stat.” Abbreviation: The abbreviation “Stat.” stands for “Statutes,” indicating that the citation refers to a statute found in the Statutes at Large. - Page Number: The page number directs the reader to the exact location within the volume where the statute begins.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Volume Number | Sequential number of the volume in the Statutes at Large series |
| "Stat." Abbreviation | Abbreviation for "Statutes," denoting the source as the Statutes at Large |
| Page Number | Specific page within the volume where the statute is located |
Importance of Accurate Citation
Accurate citation of statutes is crucial for several reasons: - Legal Precedent: Understanding the historical and legislative context of a law can be pivotal in legal arguments and decisions. - Research Efficiency: Correct citations enable researchers to quickly locate relevant statutes, facilitating more efficient legal research. - Authority and Credibility: In legal and academic writing, accurate citations lend authority and credibility to arguments by demonstrating a thorough understanding of the legal framework.
Key Points
- The United States Statutes at Large provide a comprehensive record of all laws and resolutions enacted by Congress.
- A citation typically includes the volume number, the "Stat." abbreviation, and the page number.
- Accurate citation is essential for legal research, understanding legal precedent, and lending credibility to legal arguments.
- The structure of citations allows for efficient location of statutes within their historical context.
- Understanding the components of a citation (volume number, "Stat." abbreviation, and page number) is fundamental for legal practitioners and scholars.
Historical Context and Evolution
The United States Statutes at Large have undergone significant transformations since their inception, reflecting the growing complexity of U.S. law and the need for systematic organization and accessibility. Initially, the compilation of statutes was not standardized, leading to difficulties in locating and referencing laws. The evolution of citation formats has aimed to address these challenges, providing a more streamlined and accessible system for legal research.
Moreover, the digital age has brought about significant changes in how statutes are compiled, accessed, and cited. Electronic databases and online legal resources have made it possible to search and retrieve statutes with greater ease, using various search parameters beyond the traditional volume and page number citation. However, the fundamental components of a Statutes at Large citation remain a cornerstone of legal research, ensuring that laws can be accurately located and referenced across different platforms and resources.
What is the primary purpose of the United States Statutes at Large?
+The primary purpose of the United States Statutes at Large is to provide a permanent and comprehensive collection of all laws and resolutions enacted by Congress, serving as a historical record of U.S. legislation.
How do you cite a statute from the United States Statutes at Large?
+A statute from the United States Statutes at Large is typically cited by including the volume number, the "Stat." abbreviation, and the page number, for example, "123 Stat. 456."
Why is accurate citation of statutes important?
+Accurate citation of statutes is important for legal research efficiency, understanding legal precedent, and lending credibility to legal arguments by demonstrating a thorough understanding of the legal framework.
In conclusion, the United States Statutes at Large play a vital role in the legal system of the United States, providing a chronological and comprehensive record of all laws and resolutions. Understanding the structure and importance of citations within this collection is essential for legal research, precedent, and argumentation. As legal practices continue to evolve with technological advancements, the fundamental principles of citing statutes from the Statutes at Large remain a bedrock of legal scholarship and practice.
