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 resolution

Formal documentation of action taken by board of directors of corporation (e.g. declaration of stock dividend).

@ joint resolution

A 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.

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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