Okay, let’s craft a gentle and informative piece about the recent publication of the “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 13, 38th Congress, 2nd Session” by GovInfo.gov.
A Glimpse into the Past: GovInfo.gov Releases Historical Legal Record
On December 19, 2024, GovInfo.gov, the official website providing free public access to government information, quietly unveiled a significant addition to its digital archives: “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 13, 38th Congress, 2nd Session.” This release offers a valuable opportunity for researchers, historians, legal professionals, and anyone curious about the evolution of American law to delve into the legislative landscape of a pivotal period in U.S. history – the year 1864.
What are the Statutes at Large?
For those unfamiliar, the United States Statutes at Large serves as the official record of acts and resolutions passed by the U.S. Congress. Think of it as a comprehensive yearbook of federal laws. Each volume meticulously documents the laws as they were enacted during a specific congressional session. It differs from the United States Code, which is a codified (organized by subject) and updated version of the laws in force. The Statutes at Large present the laws in their original, chronological order, exactly as they were passed.
Why is Volume 13 Significant?
Volume 13 of the Statutes at Large covers the second session of the 38th Congress, a time deeply intertwined with the American Civil War. Enacted during 1864, the laws documented within this volume offer a direct window into the challenges and priorities of a nation grappling with internal conflict, societal upheaval, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
Imagine being able to read the original text of legislation related to:
- The Civil War: Expect to find laws addressing military funding, conscription, the establishment of military districts, and the complex logistics of supporting the Union Army.
- Reconstruction: While Reconstruction formally began after the war, 1864 saw early legislative efforts focused on rebuilding and reintegrating the fractured nation.
- Financial Measures: The war necessitated significant financial actions. This volume likely includes legislation related to taxes, tariffs, war bonds, and the regulation of currency.
- Land Policy: Laws concerning public lands, westward expansion, and the allocation of resources would also be present.
- Native American Affairs: Legislation impacting Native American tribes and their territories would have been addressed during this time.
- The Thirteenth Amendment: This volume precedes the formal ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment (abolishing slavery), but it likely contains related legislation and debates reflecting the growing momentum towards emancipation.
Why is GovInfo.gov’s Release Important?
GovInfo.gov’s commitment to providing free and permanent public access to government information is crucial for several reasons:
- Transparency: It allows citizens to directly examine the laws that have shaped their nation, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.
- Historical Research: It provides invaluable primary source material for historians, legal scholars, and researchers seeking to understand the context and impact of past legislation.
- Legal Precedent: Legal professionals often rely on the Statutes at Large to understand the original intent and historical interpretation of laws.
- Accessibility: By digitizing these historical documents, GovInfo.gov makes them readily accessible to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their location or institutional affiliation. This democratizes access to vital information.
How to Access the Volume:
The “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 13, 38th Congress, 2nd Session” is now available for viewing and download on the GovInfo.gov website. You can use the provided URL (https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/STATUTE-13) to directly access the volume.
A Note of Reflection
The release of this historical legal record serves as a gentle reminder of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the United States. By examining the laws of the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of the present and work towards a more just and equitable future. It’s a chance to connect with a pivotal moment in American history through the very laws that defined it.
United States Statutes at Large, Volume 13, 38th Congress, 2nd Session
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www.govinfo.gov published ‘United States Statutes at Large, Volume 13, 38th Congress, 2nd Session’ at 2024-12-19 15:16. Please write a detailed article about this news, including related information, in a gentle tone. Please answer only in English.