The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution, enacted on April 8, 1913, allows Senators to be elected through popular voting by the people of each state. This amendment supersedes Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution, which specified that Senators were to be elected by the states’ legislators. It also allows vacant senate seats to be temporarily filled by appointment […]
Read moreA grandfather clause is a provision in a new statute or zoning ordinance that exempts certain previously existing business, enterprise, or class of persons from the new rules or regulations. Grandfather clauses are a common way to enact new rules, regulations, and laws that affect such enterprises and situations going forward, while factoring in logistical or cost problems that would […]
Read moreThe President of the United States possesses certain powers to act in emergency situations. Though such “emergency power” is not specifically expressed in the Constitution, the Executive Branch is designed to be able to act quickly in times of war or national emergency. Because emergency power is not specifically stated in the Constitution, its scope is somewhat limited, typically extending […]
Read moreThe Second Amendment to the United States Constitution recognizes the need for a “well regulated Militia” to secure a free nation, and the right of the people to “keep and bear arms” for that purpose. The Amendment, adopted on December 15, 1791, as party of the Bill of Rights, pertains to the rights of individuals under federal law, but is […]
Read moreThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) is a federal agency within the United States Department of Labor. OSHA was established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act enacted by President Richard Nixon in 1970. OSHA is responsible for insuring that workers are afforded a certain level of workplace safety through training, outreach, and education. Additionally, OSHA enforces the safety […]
Read moreThe Ninth Amendment to the United States Constitution acts as a safety net to ensure all individuals are afforded their fundamental rights, even if they are not specifically mentioned. This Amendment works in conjunction with the first eight Amendments to make up the Bill of Rights. The Ninth Amendment includes rights that are not specifically listed in the Constitution. Because […]
Read moreThe National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”), also referred to as the “Wagner Act,” is a law enacted by the federal government for the purpose of regulating labor and management practices. The primary goal of the Act is to protect the rights of private sector employees and to improve the inequality of bargaining power that exists between employees and employers. It […]
Read moreThe National Labor Relations Board, also known as the “NLRB,” is an agency within the United States government that is responsible for solving issues related to unfair labor practices. The agency also elects labor union representatives and ensures that industries follow the laws set by the National Labor Relations Act. To explore this concept, consider the following National Labor Relations […]
Read moreThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a federal agency in charge of preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. The agency is also responsible for conducting research that pertains to work-related accidents. The agency is part of the Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) and has offices and research laboratories all over the United States. […]
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