Congressional Intent

Congressional intent refers to the purpose and goals that lawmakers had when creating a particular law. It seeks to understand what Congress intended to achieve through the legislation, which can clarify how the law should be interpreted and applied. This intent can be derived from the language of the law, legislative debates, committee reports, and other documents. Understanding Congressional intent is essential for courts and legal experts when resolving disputes about the law's meaning or scope, ensuring that the law is enforced in accordance with the values and objectives of its creators.