Legal Definitions - enabling clauses

Enabling clauses are provisions in a law or contract that give the authority to government officials or individuals to put the law into effect and enforce it. These clauses are important because they allow for the practical application of laws and contracts.

For example, the U.S. Constitution Amendments have enabling clauses that give Congress the power to enforce the provisions of the amendments through appropriate legislation. This means that Congress has the authority to create laws that ensure the rights and protections outlined in the amendments are upheld.

Another example of an enabling clause is in international law, where developing countries are allowed to enter into regional trade agreements with terms that would otherwise be disallowed under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). This clause enables developing countries to participate in trade agreements that benefit their economies.

Enabling clauses are essential for the effective implementation of laws and contracts, as they provide the necessary authority to enforce them.