Okay, let’s gently unpack this news about the publication of the “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 17, 42nd Congress, 3rd Session” on govinfo.gov. While it might not sound like breaking news on the surface, it’s actually a significant moment for researchers, historians, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the history of U.S. law.
GovInfo.gov Publishes Landmark Legal Record: A Look at the 17th Volume of the U.S. Statutes at Large
On December 19, 2024, govinfo.gov, the official website providing free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government, added a new piece to its digital archive: “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 17, 42nd Congress, 3rd Session.” This seemingly small event represents a meaningful step towards preserving and making accessible the historical record of American legislation.
What are the United States Statutes at Large?
Think of the Statutes at Large as a historical record of all the laws passed by the U.S. Congress. They are more than just summaries; they are the complete and verbatim text of every law enacted during a particular congressional session. This is important because the exact wording of a law can have profound implications, and historians and legal scholars often need to consult these original documents for a precise understanding.
Why is Volume 17, 42nd Congress, 3rd Session Important?
This particular volume covers the third session of the 42nd Congress. This period (1872-1873) falls during the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War, a time of significant social, political, and legal change. Expect to find within this volume laws relating to:
- Reconstruction Efforts: Policies and laws related to rebuilding the South, protecting the rights of newly freed slaves, and readmitting states to the Union.
- Westward Expansion: Legislation concerning land grants, railroad development, and relations with Native American tribes.
- Economic Policies: Laws related to tariffs, currency, and other economic matters pertinent to the period.
- Government Administration: Details on the operation and reorganization of various federal departments and agencies.
Why is the govinfo.gov Publication Significant?
- Accessibility: Previously, accessing these documents might have involved trips to specialized libraries or legal archives. Govinfo.gov makes this vital historical information available to anyone with an internet connection, promoting democratic access to knowledge.
- Preservation: Digitizing these documents ensures their long-term preservation. Paper copies can deteriorate over time, but digital formats, when properly maintained, can last indefinitely.
- Searchability: Govinfo.gov provides search tools that allow users to quickly locate specific laws or topics within the volume. This dramatically improves the efficiency of research.
- Official Source: Because govinfo.gov is the official source, researchers can trust that the documents they are accessing are accurate and authentic.
Who Will Find This Useful?
- Historians: The Statutes at Large are a primary source for understanding the political, social, and economic climate of the Reconstruction Era.
- Legal Scholars: Law professors and students use these documents to trace the evolution of legal concepts and doctrines.
- Genealogists: Sometimes, laws relate to specific individuals or groups, potentially offering insights into family history.
- Government Officials: Understanding the historical context of existing laws is essential for effective governance.
- Educators: Teachers can use these primary source documents to enhance their lessons on American history and civics.
- Anyone Interested in U.S. History: If you are just curious about the past and how it shaped our present, this is a treasure trove of information.
Accessing the Volume:
You can find the document directly at the URL you provided: https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/STATUTE-17
Govinfo.gov offers different ways to access the information. You can browse the volume online, download it as a PDF, or view individual sections.
In Conclusion:
The publication of “United States Statutes at Large, Volume 17, 42nd Congress, 3rd Session” on govinfo.gov is a quiet victory for open access to information and the preservation of American legal history. While it might not grab headlines, it offers a valuable resource for understanding a pivotal period in the nation’s development and makes this knowledge available to all. It’s a testament to the importance of documenting and sharing our past.
United States Statutes at Large, Volume 17, 42nd Congress, 3rd 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 17, 42nd Congress, 3rd 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.