Decree vs. Declaration: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
A decree is an official order issued by a legal authority, often enforceable by law. A declaration is a formal statement or announcement, typically expressing intentions or beliefs without legal enforcement.
Key Differences
A decree is a formal and authoritative order issued by a legal authority, such as a court or government. It often carries the weight of law and requires compliance from those to whom it applies. A declaration, on the other hand, is a formal statement or announcement made to express intentions, beliefs, or principles. Declarations are often used in diplomatic or organizational contexts to outline policies or positions.
In legal contexts, a decree is a conclusive ruling that resolves a dispute or enforces a regulation, while a declaration might simply clarify a position or state a fact without imposing legal obligations. For instance, a divorce decree finalizes the dissolution of marriage, while a declaration of intent might outline future plans for legal action.
Decrees are binding and require adherence from the relevant parties, making them a powerful tool in governance and law enforcement. Conversely, declarations are more about communication and intention, such as the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed the American colonies' intent to separate from British rule.
The issuance of a decree typically involves a formal process and is often reserved for significant decisions, whereas a declaration can be made more informally and broadly across various fields, from politics to personal statements.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Authoritative order
Formal statement
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Authority
Issued by legal authority
Issued by individuals or organizations
Legal Force
Legally binding and enforceable
Not legally binding
Usage
Courts, governments
Diplomatic, organizational, personal
Process
Formal and procedural
Informal and broad
Decree and Declaration Definitions
Decree
A ruling that resolves a legal matter.
The court's decree finalized the divorce proceedings.
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Declaration
A statement clarifying a position or fact.
The scientist made a declaration about the study's findings.
Decree
An authoritative proclamation with legal force.
The king's decree was announced throughout the kingdom.
Declaration
An expression of intentions or beliefs.
The politician's declaration outlined her campaign goals.
Decree
A directive requiring compliance.
The company issued a decree mandating cybersecurity measures.
Declaration
A proclamation of principles.
The Declaration of Independence is a historic document.
Decree
An official order issued by a legal authority.
The judge issued a decree to enforce the court's decision.
Declaration
A formal announcement or statement.
The company made a declaration about its new policy.
Decree
A formal mandate from a governing body.
The government decreed new regulations for public health.
Declaration
An official statement in diplomatic contexts.
The United Nations issued a declaration on human rights.
Decree
An authoritative order having the force of law.
Declaration
An explicit, formal announcement, either oral or written.
Decree
The judgment of a court of equity.
Declaration
The act or process of declaring.
Decree
The judgment of a court.
Declaration
A statement of taxable goods or of properties subject to duty.
Decree
A doctrinal or disciplinary act of an ecclesiastical authority.
Declaration
A formal statement initiating a lawsuit by specifying the facts and legal grounds for the relief sought; a complaint or petition.
Decree
An administrative act applying or interpreting articles of canon law.
Declaration
An unsworn statement of facts that is admissible as evidence.
Decree
To order, establish, or decide by decree
Decreed that the two kingdoms would be united.
Declaration
A bid, especially the final bid of a hand in certain card games.
Decree
To issue a decree.
Declaration
A meld.
Decree
An edict or law.
Declaration
A written or oral indication of a fact, opinion, intention, belief, etc.
A declaration of love
Decree
(legal) The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.
Declaration
A list of items for various legal purposes, e.g. customs declaration.
Decree
(legal) The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.
Declaration
The act or process of declaring.
Decree
(religion) A predetermination made by God; an act of providence.
Declaration
(cricket) The act, by the captain of a batting side, of declaring an innings closed.
Decree
To command by a decree.
A court decrees a restoration of property.
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
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
(computing) The specification of an object, such as a variable or function, establishing its existence but not necessarily describing its contents.
Decree
A decision, order, or sentence, given in a cause by a court of equity or admiralty.
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
An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as, the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.
Declaration
That which is declared or proclaimed; announcement; distinct statement; formal expression; avowal.
Declarations of mercy and love . . . in the Gospel.
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
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 ordain by fate.
Declaration
A statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)
Decree
To make decrees; - used absolutely.
Father eternal! thine is to decree;Mine, both in heaven and earth to do thy will.
Declaration
(law) unsworn statement that can be admitted in evidence in a legal transaction;
His declaration of innocence
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
A statement of taxable goods or of dutiable properties
Decree
Issue a decree;
The King only can decree
Declaration
(contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make
Decree
Decide with authority;
The King decreed that all first-born males should be killed
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
FAQs
What is a declaration?
A declaration is a formal statement expressing intentions, beliefs, or positions.
Who can make a declaration?
Individuals, organizations, or governments can make declarations.
What is a decree?
A decree is an official, legally binding order issued by an authority.
Who can issue a decree?
Typically, courts, governments, or legal authorities issue decrees.
Is a decree enforceable by law?
Yes, a decree is legally binding and enforceable.
What is an example of a decree?
A court issuing a divorce decree is an example.
Do decrees require compliance?
Yes, relevant parties must comply with decrees.
Do declarations require compliance?
No, declarations do not typically require compliance.
Can a declaration announce policies?
Yes, declarations often announce policies or positions.
Is a declaration legally binding?
Generally, declarations are not legally binding.
Are declarations used in diplomacy?
Yes, declarations are frequently used in diplomatic contexts.
Do declarations involve formal processes?
Declarations can be informal and broad.
Can a decree resolve a legal matter?
Yes, decrees can resolve disputes and enforce regulations.
Can a decree be challenged in court?
Yes, decrees can be challenged through legal appeals.
Are decrees used in governance?
Yes, decrees are commonly used in governance and law enforcement.
Can a declaration be contested?
Declarations can be contested but not in a legal binding sense.
Do decrees involve formal processes?
Yes, issuing a decree involves a formal and procedural process.
What is an example of a declaration?
The Declaration of Independence is a notable example.
Can a declaration influence public opinion?
Yes, declarations can shape and influence public opinion.
Can a decree have widespread impact?
Yes, decrees can have significant legal and social impacts.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
