Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective

Non-binding resolution

Motion by a deliberative body that isn't law From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Remove ads

A non-binding resolution is a motion adopted by a deliberative body that does not enact a law or a substantive rule, and is simply used to make known what the opinions of that body are in relation to a certain fact or event.

This type of resolution is often used to express the body's approval or disapproval of something that they cannot otherwise vote on,[1] due to the matter being handled by another jurisdiction, or being protected by a constitution. An example would be a resolution of support for a nation's troops in battle, which carries no legal weight, but is adopted for moral support.

Remove ads

Use

Non-binding resolutions are usually specific simple or concurrent resolutions that are not passed on to the executive branch to be signed into the law.[2] These resolutions differ from pure concurrent resolutions (that are used for various procedural requests such as adjourning sessions) in that they are designed to express formally, document opinions and not initiate a process.

These resolutions offer a means for elected officials to publicly air the concerns of their constituents[3] and are closely followed by major media outlets. Additionally, these resolutions can be used to state the position of the legislature, showing a preview of how they will vote on future legislation and budget allocations.

Remove ads

Notable historic uses

Summarize
Perspective

Canada

  • Private Members Motion 296 in support of Jordan's Principle was passed unanimously in the House of Commons of Canada on December 12, 2007.

United Nations

United States

In the United States Congress, non-binding resolutions are frequently titled as a "Sense of Congress" resolution, if both houses pass the measure (a concurrent resolution), or as a "Sense of the Senate" or "Sense of the House" resolution, if the measure is passed by only one house (a simple resolution).[5][6]

A "sense of Congress" clause may also be used within legislation to direct the actions which Congress wishes the executive to undertake, for example:

"It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should take appropriate steps to provide for upgrading information technology systems for the reserve contingents ..."[14]

The legislatures of the 50 U.S. states also frequently adopt non-binding resolutions. For example:

  • In February 2007, the Vermont State House of Representatives[15] and Senate[16] passed non-binding resolutions calling for the orderly withdrawal of American military forces from Iraq to commence immediately.
Remove ads

See also

References

Loading related searches...

Wikiwand - on

Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.

Remove ads