bylaw etymology

Etymology

Bylaw is a compound word composed of two separate terms:

  • By: In legal contexts, "by" often signifies "in accordance with" or "in addition to."
  • Law: A rule or regulation made and enforced by legislative authority.

Meaning and Origin

A bylaw is a regulation or rule enacted by a local government or organization, typically covering matters of local scope or internal management. Bylaws are generally created to supplement the governing statutes or charters that establish the entity and provide more specific guidance on its operations.

Bylaws have been used for centuries to govern communities and organizations. In medieval times, bylaws were often established by groups such as guilds or towns to regulate various aspects of their members' lives or the community's affairs.

Over time, bylaws became a common tool for local governments to establish rules and regulations for their citizens. In the United States, local governments typically have the authority to enact bylaws under state law.

Bylaws are typically created through a formal process that involves drafting, public notice, and approval by the governing body. They may be amended or repealed through similar procedures.

Purpose of Bylaws

Bylaws serve several important purposes:

  • Provide clarity and guidance: Bylaws establish clear rules and procedures, helping to ensure consistent and fair operations.
  • Establish authority: Bylaws create a legal framework that empowers the governing body to enforce regulations and maintain order.
  • Protect rights: Bylaws may include provisions that protect the rights of members, ensuring they are treated fairly and have a voice in decision-making.
  • Facilitate administration: Bylaws provide the necessary framework for managing the organization's affairs, including financial matters, property use, and personnel policies.

bylaw relate terms

  • byway

    Etymology Old English bīweg meaning a secondary road Middle English byway b

  • statute

    Etymology The word statute comes from the Latin word statutum which means decree o

  • numismatic

    Etymology Numismatic is derived from the Latin word numisma which means coin It is

  • right

    Etymology The word right comes from the Old English word riht which is derived fro

  • derby

    Etymology Old English derby Proto Germanic derbō Proto Indo European dʰerbh t

  • lure

    Etymology The word lure comes from the Middle English word lure which in turn comes

  • rule

    Etymology Derived from the Old French word reule which in turn comes from the Latin

  • heel

    Etymology The word heel derives from the Old English word hǣl which is of uncertain o

  • cirrhosis

    Etymology The word cirrhosis comes from the Greek word κίρρωσις kirrhōsis w

  • hegemony

    Etymology Greek ἡγεμονία hēgemonía Latin hegemonia Meaning Supremac

  • forget

    Forget Etymology Old English forgietan from Proto Germanic for getan to forget neg

  • stoop

    Etymology The word stoop has Old English origins deriving ultimately from the Proto Ge