Okay, let’s gently unpack the news about the publication of the “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 3, 28th Congress, 2nd Session” on govinfo.gov.
The Gentle Release of History: Volume 3 of the United States Statutes at Large Now Available
On December 19, 2024, govinfo.gov, the official online portal for U.S. government information, quietly added a valuable piece of historical record to its digital shelves: “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 3, 28th Congress, 2nd Session.” While the news might not generate headlines in mainstream media, for legal historians, researchers, and anyone interested in the evolution of American law, this is a significant and welcome addition.
What are the United States Statutes at Large?
The United States Statutes at Large (often abbreviated as Stat.) are a chronological compilation of all laws and resolutions passed by the United States Congress. Think of it as a meticulous record of every law passed. Each volume captures a specific session (or sessions) of Congress, meticulously documenting the legislative activity of that period. This means Volume 3 provides the laws passed during the second session of the 28th Congress.
Why is this particular volume important?
Volume 3, covering the 2nd Session of the 28th Congress, is a window into the legal landscape of the United States during a critical period. This Congress met from roughly December 1844 through March 1845. Without having examined the volume, we can reasonably expect it to contain laws related to:
- Territorial Expansion: The 1840s were a time of significant westward expansion and debates over the annexation of Texas. Laws related to these topics would likely be included.
- Native American Affairs: Policies regarding Native American tribes were constantly evolving, and legal enactments related to treaties, land rights, and governance were common.
- Economic Matters: Legislation concerning tariffs, public works projects, and the regulation of commerce would likely be present.
- Military and Naval Affairs: Funding and organization of the military were often subjects of congressional debate and legislation.
- The Fugitive Slave Act: While not the infamous 1850 version, laws regarding slavery and its implications might be found, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Why is its availability on govinfo.gov significant?
The publication on govinfo.gov is more than just a formality; it’s a commitment to accessibility and transparency.
- Free and Open Access: Govinfo.gov provides free access to official government publications. This means anyone with an internet connection can now explore the laws contained within this historical volume without subscription fees or paywalls.
- Enhanced Research Capabilities: Digitization and online availability enable researchers to easily search and analyze the content of the Statutes at Large. This allows for more efficient and comprehensive legal and historical research.
- Preservation of History: Digitizing and making these documents available online helps ensure their long-term preservation. Physical copies of the Statutes at Large are often fragile and difficult to access.
- Accuracy and Authenticity: Govinfo.gov is an official source, providing confidence in the accuracy and authenticity of the published materials.
Who will find this useful?
This resource will be invaluable to a wide range of individuals and institutions:
- Legal Historians: The Statutes at Large are a primary source for understanding the development of American law.
- Researchers: Scholars in various fields, including political science, economics, and history, can use these documents to gain insights into the past.
- Law Students and Professionals: Access to historical legal documents can aid in legal education and research.
- Genealogists: Laws pertaining to citizenship, land ownership, and other matters can be helpful for tracing family histories.
- The General Public: Anyone interested in learning more about the history of the United States and its laws can benefit from this resource.
In Conclusion
The release of “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 3, 28th Congress, 2nd Session” on govinfo.gov is a noteworthy event for anyone interested in the history of American law. By making this valuable resource freely available online, the government is promoting transparency, accessibility, and the preservation of our nation’s legal heritage. It’s a quiet, but important step in making the past more accessible to all.
United States Statutes at Large, Volume 3, 28th Congress, 2nd Session
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The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
www.govinfo.gov published ‘United States Statutes at Large, Volume 3, 28th Congress, 2nd Session’ at 2024-12-19 15:12. Please write a detailed article about this news, including related information, in a gentle tone. Please answer only in English.