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Simple English definitions for legal terms

declaratory theory

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A quick definition of declaratory theory:

The declaratory theory is an old belief that judges' decisions do not create new laws, but only show what the law already is. This idea was popular in the past, but is no longer accepted. It was believed by some people who wanted to keep the power of making laws separate from the power of judging cases. It also helped to hide the fact that sometimes judges make decisions that affect things that happened in the past. Nowadays, judges still use the idea of the declaratory theory when they explain their decisions, but they also know that sometimes they do create new laws.

A more thorough explanation:

The declaratory theory is the belief that judges' decisions do not create new laws but only serve as evidence of what the law already is. This view was held by legal scholars like Coke and Blackstone in the past, but it is no longer accepted.

There are three reasons why the declaratory theory persisted for some time after the modern English doctrine of precedent had begun to take shape:

  1. It appealed to believers in the separation of powers, who did not want judges to have the power to create laws.
  2. It concealed the fact that judge-made law is retrospective in its effect, meaning that it can apply to past actions.
  3. When faced with a new legal question, judges tend to speak as though the answer is provided by the common law.

For example, if a court decides in December that someone is liable for their actions in January of the same year, it may appear that the court is creating a new law that applies retroactively. However, the declaratory theory would argue that the court is only stating a rule that was already in place at the time of the person's actions in January.

Overall, the declaratory theory is an outdated view of the role of judges in creating and interpreting laws.

declaratory statute | de claro die

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medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
jackfrost11770
23:16
should i start using letterboxed again
Dkk
23:25
@jackfrost11770: if you want but like it aint for me
dk do u ever eat at bk
Dkk
23:48
@chickenburgahfart: I would do that in the Army if really desperate for food or if I had to work through lunch. One of the few fast food places I go to.
bk so slept on
Dkk
0:23
I will take In N Out everyday over it when I can though.
texaslawhopefully
1:22
In N Out is not only the best fast food place, but the prices too are fantastic
Dkk
1:27
Indeed, indeed.
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