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russell lester

Orchardist, Grange

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Should US laws have expiration dates?

There are a number of laws that are passed in this country and that over time with the change of issues importance become less relevant or irrelevant yet remain on the books unless actively repealed. Would it be better to have laws automatically be reviewed every 10 or 20 or even 50 years? Should the sitting congress not renew them, or the sitting president not sign them then they would no longer be in effect. What laws would be exempted from this if any? What laws would you wish to see with such a expiration date? Why? Why do you not like / like this idea?

Topics: American government civil liberties drug laws federal law privacy
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  • Brock Hardwood

    • +1
    Jan 10 2013: Congress already reviews previous law. Sometimes by not reviewing it at all, they are implicitly endorsing it's continued existence.
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      Paul Kirhagis

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      Jan 10 2013: Isn't this done intermittently? I'm not aware of a comprehensive required review that happens at any regular intervals.

      • Brock Hardwood

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        Jan 10 2013: Congress either writes new chapters to the book, or they re-write existing text. There is no comprehensive review, nor does there need to be.
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          Paul Kirhagis

          • 0
          Jan 10 2013: I believe that was the topic of discussion for this conversation.
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        russell lester

        • 0
        Jan 13 2013: You're right I would love to see a reveiw so that for example prohibitions against pot might expire

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