self-executing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“My fear is that we have seen the rule of law function in this country for so long that many of us have come to take it for granted. But, the rule of law is not self-executing — it depends on our collective commitment to apply it. It requires dedicated service on behalf of others, especially when that service is difficult and comes with costs. Our willingness to pay those costs is what tests and defines our commitment to the rule of law and to this wonderful country.”

From Salon

That provision, he wrote, does not actually bind the executive branch because it is not “self-executing,” freeing the commander in chief to disregard it.

From Slate

“Our democracy is not self-executing,” former President Obama said recently.

From Los Angeles Times

We just talked about these lines in the law, and how the lines don’t matter if people don’t observe them, that they’re not self-executing.

From Slate

The justices may also have to decide whether the language of the amendment is "self-executing" - that is, whether it was not necessary for Congress to pass accompanying legislation to give the amendment teeth.

From BBC