Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence: The statement adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, announcing that the thirteen American colonies were independent of Great Britain and explaining why. The Office of the Law Revision Counsel lists it first among the organic laws of the United States at the front of the U.S. Code. It expresses founding principles, but courts generally have not treated it as an independent source of rights that can be enforced in a lawsuit.
What declaration of independence means
Put simply, declaration of independence is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.
Where declaration of independence comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Constitution.
How to research the term
First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses declaration of independence in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Debt buyer: a company that purchases debts, often charged-off consumer debts, from the original creditor or another owner.
- Debt collector: under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a person whose principal purpose is collecting debts, or who regularly collects debts owed to someone else (15 U.S.C. § 1692a(6)). Whether a company that buys debts and collects them for itself is covered can depend on how it operates.
- Debtor: a person who owes money or another obligation.
- Declaration: a written statement of facts signed under penalty of perjury. In federal matters, 28 U.S.C. § 1746 allows an unsworn declaration in place of an affidavit in many situations.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.