Laws
IRS Forms Laws are known to shape everything from politics to economics and society in several ways. A law can be serious or strange. A law is a rule that is enforced by institutions such the police and the government. The process of creating a law can be a long one, or short depending on how serious the issue is.
- Sometimes a law is made as a result of public demand. Any American federal law just begins as an idea. Usually laws that are formed in this way is a result of some form of violence, such as Megan’s Law, which was passed to require legally law enforcement officials to release information about convicted sex offenders. This law came about because of the kidnapping, rape, and murder of seven-year-old Megan Kanka. Her murderer was a repeated sex offender who had moved into Megan’s neighborhood. No one was required to inform the families in the neighborhood that a sexual offender had moved in. Because of this, Megan’s Law began with state attempts to protect children in their communities from sex offenders; the law then became a nationwide law.
- Once an idea for a law is brought to the attention of congressmen, they can decide whether or not to sponsor the proposed law. A congressman may decide to sponsor a law if they think the law has a good chance of being passed. The proposed law is then introduced to Congress as a bill. The bill then will be sent to a particular committee to see if it will be voted into law. The committee depends on what type of law is trying to be passed. For instance, if a bill revolves around a farming idea, than it is passed along to the Agriculture committee. If the committee approves the possible law, than the bill goes on to the full house of Congress. A proposed law, or bill starts in either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
- There are 435 members of the house of Congress who can turn a bill into a law. Proposed laws are discussed and debated. The bill is then voted on. Of the 435 members, at least 218 members have to agree to the bill to be voted in. Once the House approves the bill, then the proposed law is sent to the Senate. If the Senate does not approve of the bill, it may be sent back to the House for further debate, or abandoned. If the Senate agrees on the bill then it is passed on to the full Senate. Of the 100 senators that vote on the proposed law, 51 must approve of it for it to get passed on to the President of the United States. The President makes the final decision about turning a bill into a law. If the President does not approve of the bill he can send it back to Congress by vetoing it. However, if the president does approve, then he can sign the bill, thus turning it into an official law.
- The term state law refers to the rules of each separate state in America. State laws are passed by the state legislature in all states. State laws are then signed into code by the state Governor. The common problem with any state law is that it can often conflict with the federal laws of the United States. When there is an unclear interpretation of state law, which there often is, the issue or conflict is resolved by the federal courts.
- All state laws follow the actual state constitution. Although every state has a separate constitution of state laws that govern them, most of the major state laws involving serious crimes like robbery, murder and rape are the same. Some state laws allow the death penalty, like Texas; others, such as New York, does not condone it. A state law will sometimes vary depending on the state. For instance, when one is caught Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), a particular state law may ensure certain punishments that other states do not. The United States Constitution has set the groundwork for most major state laws.
- State laws regulate many issues. A state law may control driving privileges, property ownership, or taxes. Some state laws are considered to be unusual, but in general a state law serves its purpose by giving a state some control over individual’s who break the state laws. Any type of law can be confusing, especially when a state law in one area does not exist in another state. However, most people are aware of the more serious United States’ laws that exist regarding felony crimes such as murder and robbery. State laws are different from federal laws. However, just like federal laws, a state law must be followed. The term state law refers to the rules of each separate state in America.
- State laws are passed by the state legislature in all states. State laws are then signed into code by the state Governor. The common problem with any state is that it can often conflict with the federal laws of the United States. When there is an unclear interpretation of state law, which there often is, the issue or conflict is resolved by the federal courts. All state laws follow the actual state constitution. Although every state has a separate constitution of state laws that govern them, most of the major state laws involving serious crimes like robbery, murder and rape are the same. Some state laws allow the death penalty, like Texas; others, such as New York, does not condone it.
- Other instances involving state laws involve a huge difference from state to state. In Texas, for instance, a state law prohibits any individual from having a pair of pliers on their person. California state law prohibits any women wearing a robe from driving a vehicle. Another odd state law has made it illegal to mispronounce the name of the state of Arkansas while the individual is in Arkansas. In Alaska, state law dictates that an individual is not allowed to look at a moose from an airplane. Residents of Kentucky have to follow a state law that forces them to bathe at least once a year. In Tennessee, a state law prevents bologna from being sold on Sundays. Serious state laws exist to protect individuals from harm.
Most people are aware of the more serious United States’ laws that exist regarding felony crimes. However, laws can be confusing, especially when a state law in one area means nothing in another. If an individual breaks any law, no matter how small it may seem, then they are subject to possible legal punishment, no matter whether it is a state law or a federal law.