Legal Definitions - enacting words

Definition: Enacting words are the words used in a legal document to indicate that a law or act is taking effect. The most commonly used enacting words are "Be it enacted that...".

Example: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the 'Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990'."

Explanation: In this example, the enacting words "Be it enacted" indicate that the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 are now taking effect as law.

Another Example: "Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:"

Explanation: In this example, the enacting words "Be it enacted" indicate that the law being passed is done so with the authority of the Queen and the Parliament of the United Kingdom.