Okay, let’s gently unpack this piece of news about the re-publication of a historical legal document. It seems the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) has, on December 19, 2024, made available a digital version of “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 18, 43rd Congress, 1st Session” through its govinfo.gov platform. This might sound a little technical, so let’s break down what it means and why it’s interesting.
What are the United States Statutes at Large?
Think of the Statutes at Large as the official record of laws passed by the United States Congress. Every law (also known as an Act) enacted by Congress is compiled into these volumes in chronological order as they were originally passed. It’s essentially a primary source for anyone interested in the legal history of the United States. They are different from the United States Code, which organizes the laws by subject matter and incorporates amendments. The Statutes at Large present the law as it was originally written.
Volume 18, 43rd Congress, 1st Session: What Does That Mean?
- Volume 18: This indicates the specific volume in the ongoing series of the Statutes at Large.
- 43rd Congress: This refers to the particular Congress that enacted the laws within that volume. The U.S. Congress is divided into two-year terms. The 43rd Congress met from 1873 to 1875.
- 1st Session: Each Congress has two “sessions,” one for each year of its term. So, this volume contains laws passed during the first year of the 43rd Congress (1873-1874).
Why is this news?
Well, it’s not exactly headline-grabbing news in the conventional sense. The laws themselves aren’t new; they’re over 150 years old. The significance lies in the accessibility of these historical documents. The GPO’s republishing of this volume on govinfo.gov means that anyone with an internet connection can now freely access a digital version of these laws.
Why is accessibility important?
- Historical Research: This benefits historians, legal scholars, genealogists, and anyone interested in understanding the context of American history during the Reconstruction Era. The laws passed during this time reflect the complex social, political, and economic changes happening after the Civil War.
- Legal Research: While these laws may have been amended or repealed over time, understanding their original form can be crucial for interpreting current legislation and understanding the evolution of legal principles. Knowing the original intent of a law can sometimes shed light on how it should be applied today.
- Transparency and Open Government: Making government documents readily available to the public promotes transparency and allows citizens to be more informed about the laws that have shaped their nation.
- Preservation: Digitizing and republishing these documents helps to preserve them for future generations. The physical copies of these volumes are often fragile and stored in archives.
What kind of laws might be in this volume?
Given that the 43rd Congress convened during the Reconstruction era, Volume 18 likely contains laws related to:
- Civil Rights: Potentially laws aimed at protecting the rights of newly freed slaves.
- Reconstruction: Legislation concerning the rebuilding of the Southern states after the Civil War.
- Native American Affairs: Laws and treaties dealing with Native American tribes and land rights.
- Economic Development: Legislation related to infrastructure projects, railroads, and westward expansion.
- Finance and Taxation: Laws relating to the national debt, currency, and taxation.
In Summary:
The GPO’s republication of Volume 18 of the United States Statutes at Large on govinfo.gov is a valuable contribution to historical preservation and access to legal information. While not a sensational news event, it quietly underscores the importance of open government and the enduring relevance of understanding our legal past. It provides a readily available resource for researchers, students, and anyone curious about the laws that shaped the United States during a pivotal period in its history. It is a step toward making our history and government accessible to all.
United States Statutes at Large, Volume 18, 43rd Congress, 1st 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 18, 43rd Congress, 1st Session’ at 2024-12-19 15:20. Please write a detailed article about this news, including related information, in a gentle tone. Please answer only in English.