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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Presidential signing statements
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A quick definition of Presidential signing statements:
Presidential signing statements are short notes that the President writes when they sign a new law. They can use these notes to explain what the law is about, to thank the people who made the law, or to say how they think the law should be used. But, it's important to know that these notes don't have the power to change the law. Even if the President says something in their note, the law still stays the same.
A more thorough explanation:
Presidential signing statements are documents that the President of the United States can issue when signing a bill into law. These statements can be used for various purposes, such as explaining the bill's purpose, praising its sponsors, or interpreting specific provisions of the bill.
However, it is important to note that these statements do not have the force of law. This means that they cannot change the meaning or effect of the bill that was signed into law.
For example, in DaCoast v. Nixon, President Nixon issued a signing statement stating that the bill he just signed into law did not represent the policies of his administration and was without the force of law. The court held that this statement had no legal effect and could not change the meaning or effect of the bill.
In simpler terms, presidential signing statements are like notes that the President can write when signing a bill into law. They can explain things or express opinions, but they cannot change what the bill actually says or does.