- resolution
- A formal expression of the opinion or will of an official body or a public assembly, adopted by vote; as a legislative resolution. Such may be either a simple, joint or concurrent resolution. The term is usually employed to denote the adoption of a motion, the subject-matter of which would not properly constitute a statute, such as a mere expression of opinion; an alteration of the rules; a vote of thanks or of censure, etc. Such is not law but merely a form in which a legislative body expresses an opinion. Baker v. City of Milwaukee, 271 Or. 500, 533 P.2d 772, 775.The chief distinction between a "resolution" and a "law" is that the former is used whenever the legislative body passing it wishes merely to express an opinion as to some given matter or thing and is only to have a temporary effect on such particular thing, while by a "law" it is intended to permanently direct and control matters applying to persons or things in general. Concurrent resolution. An action of Congress passed in the form of a resolution of one house, the other concurring, which expresses the sense of Congress on a particular subject.@ corporate resolutionFormal documentation of action taken by board of directors of corporation (e.g. declaration of stock dividend).@ joint resolutionA resolution adopted by both houses of congress or a legislature. When such a resolution has been approved by the president or passed with his approval, it has the effect of a law. The distinction between a joint resolution and a concurrent resolution of congress, is that the former requires the approval of the president while the latter does not.@Ordinance distinguished."Resolution" denotes something less formal than "ordinance"; generally, it is mere expression of opinion or mind of council concerning some matter of administration, within its official cognizance, and provides for disposition of particular item of administrative business of a municipality; it is not a law, and in substance there is no difference between resolution, order and motion. City of Salisbury v. Nagel, Mo.App., 420 S.W.2d 37, 43
Black's law dictionary. HENRY CAMPBELL BLACK, M. A.. 1990.