The Meaning of Repeal
Repeal is a legal term that refers to the act of revoking or rescinding a law, regulation, or ordinance. It essentially means to void or annul a previously enacted rule, making it no longer valid or enforceable. Repeal can occur at various levels of government, from local ordinances to federal statutes.
Types of Repeal
- Implied Repeal: This occurs when a new law conflicts with an existing law, rendering the old law obsolete.
- Express Repeal: This involves the explicit revocation of a law through another legislative act.
Examples of Repeal
One of the most famous examples of repeal in U.S. history is the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. The 18th Amendment, which banned the sale and consumption of alcohol, was repealed by the 21st Amendment, ending the era of prohibition.
Case Studies
In recent years, there have been several high-profile repeals of laws and regulations. For example, in 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to repeal net neutrality rules put in place during the Obama administration. This decision sparked a heated debate about the future of the internet and the role of government regulation.
Statistics on Repeal
According to a study by the Brennan Center for Justice, there were over 160 state laws restricting voting rights passed between 2011 and 2015. However, several of these laws have been challenged in court and some have been repealed or overturned.
