Resolution (law)
In law, a resolution is a motion, often in writing, which has been adopted by a deliberative body. An alternate term for a resolution is a resolve.
In corporations
In corporations, a written resolution is especially useful in the case of the board of directors of a corporation, which usually needs to give its consent to real estate purchases or sales by the corporation. Such a resolution, when certified by the corporation's secretary, gives assurance to the other side of the transaction that the sale was properly authorized. Other examples include resolutions approving the opening of bank accounts or authorizing the issuance of shares in the corporation.Legislative bodies
In many legislative bodies, the term resolution is used to describe a motion which has been approved.In the United States, resolution means a proposal made in writing, while motion means a proposal made verbally.
Houses of a legislature often adopt non-binding resolutions.
However, a legislature also uses resolutions to exercise one of its binding powers that isn't a lawmaking power. For example, the United States Congress declaration of war by [the United States|declares war] or proposes constitutional amendments by adopting a joint resolution. A house of a legislature can also use a resolution to exercise its specific powers, as the British House of Commons does to elect its Speaker or as the United States House of Representatives does to impeach an officer of the government.