Legal Definitions - special act

A special act is a type of law that pertains to and affects a particular case, person, place, or thing, as opposed to the general public. It is also known as a special law.

For example, if a city council passes a law that only applies to a specific neighborhood, that would be considered a special act. Another example would be a law that grants a specific individual a particular privilege or exemption.

These examples illustrate how a special act is different from a general law, which applies to everyone within a jurisdiction. Special acts are more specific and targeted in their application.