Decree vs. Declaration — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 24, 2024
A decree is a formal and authoritative order, often by a court or government, while a declaration is a formal announcement or statement.
Difference Between Decree and Declaration
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A decree typically originates from an authoritative body, like a government or judicial entity, and carries legal force, mandating compliance or action. Declarations, however, are broader in scope, encompassing any formal announcement or assertion, often without the legal authority to enforce compliance.
Decrees are binding and enforceable, used in legal contexts to issue judgments or official orders. Declarations, while they can be significant and formal, do not inherently possess legal enforceability unless backed by law or regulation.
In international law, a decree might formalize a government’s directive, having immediate legal implications. A declaration, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, though influential, generally serves as a guiding principle without direct legal obligation.
The issuance of a decree often follows a legal or administrative process, implying it is a conclusion to deliberation or legal proceedings. In contrast, declarations can be made by individuals, organizations, or nations to express a position, intention, or principle, not necessarily concluding a formal process.
Decrees and declarations both serve important roles in governance and society; decrees enforce laws and regulations, while declarations communicate values, intentions, and recognitions at various levels.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Government or judicial body
Any authoritative or individual source
Legal Force
Yes, legally binding and enforceable
Not inherently, unless backed by law
Purpose
To mandate or prohibit specific actions
To announce, assert, or proclaim
Examples
Court rulings, executive orders
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, public statements
Enforceability
Enforceable by law
Generally not enforceable, symbolic or guiding
Compare with Definitions
Decree
An official order issued by a legal authority.
The court's decree ended the lengthy legal battle.
Declaration
Can be made by individuals or groups.
The company's declaration of sustainability goals outlined future initiatives.
Decree
Implies a degree of finality and enforceability.
The king's decree altered the succession rules.
Declaration
A formal or explicit statement or announcement.
The leader's declaration of peace was welcomed globally.
Decree
Used in contexts like law, government, and religion.
The decree from the council imposed new citywide regulations.
Declaration
Not necessarily legally binding.
The declaration of love, while profound, held no legal weight.
Decree
Often carries the weight of law.
The government's decree on environmental protection became effective immediately.
Declaration
Often used to express principles or intentions.
The manifesto included a declaration of the party's values.
Decree
Specific to certain actions or outcomes.
The judge issued a decree validating the election results.
Declaration
Wide-ranging in application, from personal to international.
The declaration of independence marked the birth of the nation.
Decree
A decree is a rule of law usually issued by a head of state (such as the president of a republic or a monarch), according to certain procedures (usually established in a constitution). It has the force of law.
Declaration
A formal or explicit statement or announcement
A declaration of love
Decree
An authoritative order having the force of law.
Declaration
An act of declaring an innings closed.
Decree
The judgment of a court of equity.
Declaration
An explicit, formal announcement, either oral or written.
Decree
The judgment of a court.
Declaration
The act or process of declaring.
Decree
A doctrinal or disciplinary act of an ecclesiastical authority.
Declaration
A statement of taxable goods or of properties subject to duty.
Decree
An administrative act applying or interpreting articles of canon law.
Declaration
A formal statement initiating a lawsuit by specifying the facts and legal grounds for the relief sought; a complaint or petition.
Decree
To order, establish, or decide by decree
Decreed that the two kingdoms would be united.
Declaration
An unsworn statement of facts that is admissible as evidence.
Decree
To issue a decree.
Declaration
A bid, especially the final bid of a hand in certain card games.
Decree
An edict or law.
Declaration
A meld.
Decree
(legal) The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.
Declaration
A written or oral indication of a fact, opinion, intention, belief, etc.
A declaration of love
Decree
(legal) The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.
Declaration
A list of items for various legal purposes, e.g. customs declaration.
Decree
(religion) A predetermination made by God; an act of providence.
Declaration
The act or process of declaring.
Decree
To command by a decree.
A court decrees a restoration of property.
Declaration
(cricket) The act, by the captain of a batting side, of declaring an innings closed.
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?
Declaration
(legal) In common law, the formal document specifying plaintiff's cause of action, including the facts necessary to sustain a proper cause of action, and to advise the defendant of the grounds upon which he is being sued.
Decree
A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a court of equity or admiralty.
Declaration
(computing) The specification of an object, such as a variable or function, establishing its existence but not necessarily describing its contents.
Decree
An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.
Declaration
The act of declaring, or publicly announcing; explicit asserting; undisguised token of a ground or side taken on any subject; proclamation; exposition; as, the declaration of an opinion; a declaration of war, etc.
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.
Declaration
That which is declared or proclaimed; announcement; distinct statement; formal expression; avowal.
Declarations of mercy and love . . . in the Gospel.
Decree
To ordain by fate.
Declaration
The document or instrument containing such statement or proclamation; as, the Declaration of Independence (now preserved in Washington).
In 1776 the Americans laid before Europe that noble Declaration, which ought to be hung up in the nursery of every king, and blazoned on the porch of every royal palace.
Decree
To make decrees; - used absolutely.
Father eternal! thine is to decree;Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will.
Declaration
A statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)
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
Declaration
(law) unsworn statement that can be admitted in evidence in a legal transaction;
His declaration of innocence
Decree
Issue a decree;
The King only can decree
Declaration
A statement of taxable goods or of dutiable properties
Decree
Decide with authority;
The King decreed that all first-born males should be killed
Declaration
(contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make
Declaration
A formal public statement;
The government made an announcement about changes in the drug war
A declaration of independence
Declaration
A formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
Common Curiosities
How are decrees enforced?
Through the legal system, by the authority of the body that issued them.
Can anyone make a declaration?
Yes, individuals, groups, organizations, or countries can make declarations.
Who can issue a decree?
Decrees are typically issued by governments, courts, or other entities with legal authority.
Can a declaration become legally binding?
Yes, if it's incorporated into law or policy, or if it's part of a legal contract.
Are decrees always related to legal matters?
Mostly, yes, especially in the context of government or judicial orders.
Is a decree always permanent?
No, it can be amended or repealed by subsequent legal actions or decrees.
Can a declaration lead to legal changes?
Yes, especially if it garners significant support or is adopted by legislative bodies.
What makes a decree different from a declaration?
A decree is a legally binding order from an authority, while a declaration is a formal statement that may not have legal force.
Do declarations impact international relations?
Yes, they can express intentions, principles, or positions that affect diplomatic interactions.
How do cultural or religious decrees differ from governmental ones?
They might not have legal force but can carry significant influence within their communities.
What is an example of a famous declaration?
The Declaration of Independence is a renowned example.
Can a decree be challenged or overturned?
Yes, through legal appeals or changes in legislation.
Do declarations have any power if they're not legally binding?
Yes, they can influence public opinion, guide policy, and shape societal norms.
How does the public generally learn about decrees and declarations?
Through official publications, media, and in today’s digital age, through online platforms and social media.
Can international bodies issue decrees?
Typically, international bodies issue resolutions or directives, which can be decree-like but depend on member states for enforcement.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
