Okay, let’s gently unpack this announcement from govinfo.gov.
A Treasure Trove of History Now More Accessible: United States Statutes at Large, Volume 22, Available Digitally
On December 19, 2024, govinfo.gov, the official website for U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), added another invaluable resource to its digital collection: the United States Statutes at Large, Volume 22, covering the 47th Congress, 2nd Session. This might sound a bit technical, but it’s actually a wonderful step in preserving and making accessible a crucial part of American legal history.
What are the United States Statutes at Large?
Imagine a comprehensive record of every single law passed by the U.S. Congress in a given session. That’s essentially what the Statutes at Large are. They’re the official, permanent record of all laws and concurrent resolutions passed by Congress and the President. Think of them as the raw materials of American legal development. They’re a collection of the laws as they were originally passed, before any amendments or changes might have been made over time.
Volume 22, in particular, focuses on the laws passed during the 47th Congress, specifically its second session. This congress convened during a pivotal period in American history, from approximately 1881 to 1883.
Why is this important?
- Historical Insight: The Statutes at Large offer a fascinating window into the issues that were important to the nation at the time. This volume allows researchers, historians, legal scholars, and even just curious citizens to delve into the concerns, debates, and legislative solutions of that era. You can learn what mattered to the American people then, and how those concerns were addressed through lawmaking.
- Legal Research: For legal professionals, the Statutes at Large are essential for understanding the original intent behind legislation. Understanding how a law was initially drafted and passed can be incredibly helpful in interpreting its meaning in a contemporary context. It helps build a deeper, more informed understanding of current law by showcasing the foundations and evolutions through time.
- Accessibility: In the past, accessing these volumes often meant visiting a large library or government archive. By making them available online through govinfo.gov, the GPO democratizes access to this historical information. Anyone with an internet connection can now explore the laws of the 47th Congress.
- Preservation: Digitizing historical documents is a crucial aspect of preservation. It protects these materials from the wear and tear of time and physical handling, ensuring they are available for future generations.
- Understanding the Past to Inform the Future: Studying laws from the past helps us understand how our legal system evolved and can even give us insights into how to address current challenges. It allows us to see the historical context in which laws were made and how they impacted society.
What can you find in Volume 22?
While the precise contents will require diving into the document itself, here’s a general idea of what you might find:
- Laws related to westward expansion: During this era, issues related to Native American treaties, land management, and the development of the western territories were prominent.
- Legislation related to economic development: The late 19th century was a time of rapid industrialization, and Congress was likely addressing issues related to railroads, commerce, and finance.
- Laws concerning civil rights: The aftermath of the Civil War continued to shape the legislative agenda, and there may have been laws related to voting rights, education, and the protection of civil liberties.
- Acts relating to government operations: Laws concerning the funding of government agencies, the organization of federal departments, and other administrative matters would also be included.
How to Access Volume 22:
The publication on govinfo.gov at the provided URL (www.govinfo.gov/app/details/STATUTE-22) should provide direct access to the digitized volume. You’ll likely be able to browse the pages, search for specific terms, and download the document for offline use.
In Conclusion:
The release of United States Statutes at Large, Volume 22 on govinfo.gov is more than just a technical update. It’s a gentle reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing our legal heritage. It’s an invitation to explore the past, understand the present, and shape the future. This digital archive gives everyone an opportunity to delve into the laws that have shaped the United States.
United States Statutes at Large, Volume 22, 47th Congress, 2nd Session
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