Decree vs. Legislation — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 22, 2023

A Decree is an official order issued by an authority, while Legislation refers to laws enacted by a legislative body. Both provide rules, but they originate differently.

Difference Between Decree and Legislation

Table of Contents

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Key Differences

Both Decree and Legislation establish rules or directives, but their sources differ significantly. A Decree usually emanates from someone in authority, like a monarch, governor, or court. It's an official order that might not involve a lengthy legislative process.

Sep 22, 2023

Legislation, in contrast, specifically involves the making or enacting of laws. This is typically a procedure conducted by a legislative body, like Congress or Parliament. Through Legislation, elected representatives consider, debate, and then pass laws that govern a jurisdiction.

Sep 22, 2023

While a Decree can be swiftly issued by an authoritative figure, Legislation requires a more complex, often time-consuming process. This might involve multiple readings, discussions, amendments, and votes before a bill becomes law.

Sep 22, 2023

The impact and longevity of both can also differ. While Legislation can be long-standing and require another legislative act to change, a Decree might be more temporary or specific to an immediate need.

Sep 22, 2023

In essence, while both Decrees and Legislation serve to provide directives or establish rules, their origins, processes, and implications can be markedly different.

Sep 22, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Source

Authority figure or court

Legislative body

Sep 22, 2023

Process

Can be swiftly issued

Involves readings, debates, and votes

Sep 22, 2023

Longevity

Can be temporary

Usually long-standing

Sep 22, 2023

Flexibility

Can address immediate needs

Typically more generalized

Sep 22, 2023

Amendment

Can be altered by the same authority

Requires a legislative process for modification

Sep 22, 2023

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Compare with Definitions

Decree

An official order issued by an authority.

The king's Decree mandated a curfew.

Sep 19, 2023

Legislation

The process of making or enacting laws.

The state's Legislation is focused on improving public education.

Sep 19, 2023

Decree

A formal and authoritative command.

The court's Decree settled the property dispute.

Sep 19, 2023

Legislation

The act of creating laws within a jurisdiction.

Local Legislation varies across counties.

Sep 19, 2023

Decree

A proclamation set by a governing figure.

By royal Decree, the festival was to last three days.

Sep 19, 2023

Legislation

Laws enacted by a governing body.

The Legislation on environmental protection passed unanimously.

Sep 19, 2023

Decree

A binding directive from a higher authority.

The Decree of the leader was not to be questioned.

Sep 19, 2023

Legislation

A law or set of laws proposed or enacted.

New Legislation is being drafted to address cyber threats.

Sep 19, 2023

Decree

An authoritative order having the force of law.

Sep 17, 2023

Legislation

Official laws and regulations made by elected officials.

The Legislation on taxation was revised last year.

Sep 19, 2023

Decree

The judgment of a court of equity.

Sep 17, 2023

Legislation

The act or process of legislating; lawmaking.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

The judgment of a court.

Sep 17, 2023

Legislation

A proposed or enacted law or group of laws.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

A doctrinal or disciplinary act of an ecclesiastical authority.

Sep 17, 2023

Legislation

The act of legislating; preparation and enactment of laws.

Pass legislation

There is a lack of legislation about human cloning.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

An administrative act applying or interpreting articles of canon law.

Sep 17, 2023

Legislation

Law which has been enacted by legislature or other governing body

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

To order, establish, or decide by decree

Decreed that the two kingdoms would be united.

Sep 17, 2023

Legislation

The act of legislating; preparation and enactment of laws; the laws enacted.

Pythagoras joined legislation to his philosophy.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

To issue a decree.

Sep 17, 2023

Legislation

Law enacted by a legislative body

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

An edict or law.

Sep 17, 2023

Legislation

The act of making or enacting laws

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

(legal) The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

(legal) The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

(religion) A predetermination made by God; an act of providence.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

To command by a decree.

A court decrees a restoration of property.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

An order from one having authority, deciding what is to be done by a subordinate; also, a determination by one having power, deciding what is to be done or to take place; edict, law; authoritative ru decision.

There went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree?

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a court of equity or admiralty.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

To determine judicially by authority, or by decree; to constitute by edict; to appoint by decree or law; to determine; to order; to ordain; as, a court decrees a restoration of property.

Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

To ordain by fate.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

To make decrees; - used absolutely.

Father eternal! thine is to decree;Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will.

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

A legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge);

A friend in New Mexico said that the order caused no trouble out there

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

Issue a decree;

The King only can decree

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

Decide with authority;

The King decreed that all first-born males should be killed

Sep 17, 2023

Decree

A decision given by those in power.

The council's Decree changed the city's zoning rules.

Sep 19, 2023

Common Curiosities

What is the main difference between a Decree and Legislation?

A Decree is an official order from an authority, while Legislation refers to laws made by a legislative body.

Sep 22, 2023

Is all Legislation permanent?

No, some Legislation can be temporary, but most are designed to be long-standing until amended or repealed.

Sep 22, 2023

Who can issue a Decree?

Decrees can be issued by authority figures like monarchs, governors, or courts.

Sep 22, 2023

Can one piece of Legislation amend another?

Yes, new Legislation can be drafted to amend, revise, or repeal existing laws.

Sep 22, 2023

How is Legislation typically passed?

Through a process involving readings, debates, amendments, and votes by a legislative body.

Sep 22, 2023

Can citizens influence a Decree?

Typically, Decrees are top-down decisions, but public opinion might indirectly influence them.

Sep 22, 2023

Is a Decree always legally binding?

In most contexts, yes, but the enforcement and implications can vary based on the jurisdiction.

Sep 22, 2023

How is a Decree different from an executive order?

Both are directives, but an executive order is a specific form of Decree typically issued by a president or governor.

Sep 22, 2023

Can a Decree override existing Legislation?

It depends on the jurisdiction; in some cases, a Decree might have the power to override or bypass Legislation.

Sep 22, 2023

Are Decrees common in democracies?

While more common in autocratic systems, some democratic systems also have mechanisms for Decrees under specific conditions.

Sep 22, 2023

Do Decrees need legislative approval?

Generally, no. Decrees are often standalone directives from an authority.

Sep 22, 2023

How can citizens influence Legislation?

Through voting, petitions, lobbying, or direct communication with their elected representatives.

Sep 22, 2023

Are there limits to what Legislation can cover?

Yes, Legislation is typically bound by a country's constitution or fundamental laws.

Sep 22, 2023

What happens if Legislation is deemed unconstitutional?

It can be struck down or invalidated by a judiciary or constitutional court.

Sep 22, 2023

Which has a broader impact, Decree or Legislation?

Legislation usually has a broader and more lasting impact, but Decrees can be significant in specific situations.

Sep 22, 2023

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Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.