Okay, let’s gently unpack this news from govinfo.gov regarding the publication of the “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 14, 39th Congress, 2nd Session.” While it might seem like a dry announcement at first glance, it’s actually a quiet but important act of preserving and making accessible a piece of American history.
The Publication of Historical Legal Documents: A Gentle Look at the “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 14”
On December 19, 2024, at 3:16 PM, govinfo.gov, the official online repository of government information, made available digitally “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 14, 39th Congress, 2nd Session.” This seemingly simple act is a significant step in preserving and providing access to a critical era in American history.
What are the United States Statutes at Large?
Think of the Statutes at Large as the official and permanent record of laws passed by the United States Congress. They are the laws as they were originally enacted, word-for-word. They are bound volumes containing every single public law, private law, concurrent resolution, and presidential proclamation passed during a congressional session. Because of their comprehensiveness and authoritativeness, they are used by legal scholars, historians, and anyone needing a detailed understanding of U.S. law.
Why is Volume 14 Important? (The 39th Congress, 2nd Session)
Volume 14 covers the second session of the 39th Congress, which convened in the immediate aftermath of the American Civil War (generally, from December 1866 to March 1867). This was a profoundly important and turbulent period. The Congress was focused heavily on Reconstruction, meaning the process of rebuilding the shattered South and integrating formerly enslaved people into American society. Expect to find within this volume landmark legislation related to:
- Reconstruction: This likely includes acts related to the readmission of Southern states to the Union, the establishment of military districts in the South, and the protection of civil rights for African Americans.
- Civil Rights: Key pieces of legislation designed to guarantee equal rights and protections under the law. This might include early versions of civil rights acts.
- Native American Affairs: Legislation regarding treaties and interactions with Native American tribes.
- Land Grants and Western Expansion: Given the era, there’s a high likelihood of laws related to land distribution, railroad construction, and the westward expansion of the United States.
- Economic Matters: Legislation related to tariffs, taxes, and the national economy.
Why is Govinfo.gov’s Publication Important?
In simple terms, this makes a vital historical resource available to everyone with an internet connection.
- Accessibility: Before digital repositories like govinfo.gov, accessing these volumes often required a trip to a major law library or historical archive. Now, anyone, anywhere, can access the full text of these laws.
- Preservation: Old books degrade over time. By digitizing and publishing these volumes, govinfo.gov helps preserve the information for future generations. It means the content is less vulnerable to physical damage and loss.
- Searchability: Digital publication allows for keyword searching, making it far easier to find specific information within the voluminous text. This is a huge boon for researchers.
- Transparency: By making government documents freely available, govinfo.gov promotes transparency and accountability in government.
Who Might Find This Useful?
The publication of this volume is relevant to a wide range of people:
- Historians: Provides primary source material for understanding the Reconstruction Era.
- Legal Scholars: Essential for researching the historical context of laws and legal principles.
- Genealogists: May contain information relevant to family history, especially if ancestors were involved in land transactions, military service, or other activities affected by federal laws.
- Students: Provides a valuable resource for research papers and projects.
- Anyone interested in American history and government: Offers a direct connection to the laws that shaped the nation.
In Conclusion
While the announcement from govinfo.gov may seem like a routine bureaucratic update, it represents a commitment to preserving and providing access to our nation’s history. The “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 14” offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period of American history, and its digital publication ensures that these important legal documents are available to all. It’s a quiet but significant step towards a more informed and historically aware society.
United States Statutes at Large, Volume 14, 39th Congress, 2nd Session
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
www.govinfo.gov published ‘United States Statutes at Large, Volume 14, 39th 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.