clear statement rule
Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law
Definitions from Case Law
From 404 U.S. 336 - United States v. Bass · 1971Most cited · 3,812 citing opinions
unless Congress conveys its purpose clearly, it will not be deemed to have significantly changed the federal-state balance. In traditionally sensitive areas, such as legislation affecting the federal balance, the requirement of clear statement assures that the legislature has in fact faced, and intended to bring into issue, the critical matters involved in the judicial decision.