Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

I'd actually like to see a constitutional amendment in the US that puts a fixed, mandatory sunset provision on all legislative acts.

Legislatures would be required to positively reaffirm any existing statutory laws within a mandated interval before their expiration in order for them to remain in force.

This would alter the political incentives just enough to allow a great deal of bad policy to expire quietly without legislators risking the consequences of being actively engaged in a repeal campaign.




Also it would keep legislators busy with the old laws, instead of making up new ones all the time.

Just make sure that re-affirming old laws takes some effort.

However I wonder how businesses would react to the uncertainties of certain laws expiring, just because the nation is not in a mood to re-affirm them?


I resume there'd be a strong tendency toward maintaining the stability of commercial law, where needed, and preference for common law and equity above statutes. I guess for the same reasons so many companies choose to incorporate in Delaware today.


Given the increased power of the judiciary in this scenario, what should be done about bad judicial precedents? I can't see a sunset clause working there.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: