Ratifying

Ratifying is the formal approval by an authorized authority of a proposed treaty, amendment, or agreement, thereby making it legally binding. The term comes from Latin ratificare, meaning to confirm or establish by oath. Ratification signals consent to be bound by the terms of the instrument and occurs after an initial act such as signing or negotiation.

In international law, ratification is distinct from signature. A signature often indicates intent to consider the agreement, while ratification confirms binding obligation. Ratification is typically effected by a written instrument of ratification or by another constitutional procedure and marks the point at which the treaty or agreement becomes legally effective for the ratifying state, either on a specified date or upon entry into force conditions.

Procedural variation exists across jurisdictions. The requirement for ratification may be set by a constitution, domestic statute, or other legal framework. In some countries, the legislature must approve treaties; in others, the head of state or government alone may ratify after parliamentary approval. Some states require referendums for certain international commitments. For constitutional amendments, ratification often involves a different process, such as approval by a specified majority of regional legislatures or national referendums, depending on the constitution.

Beyond international law, ratification can also refer to the endorsement of rules, resolutions, or procedures within organizations or governing bodies, as well as the approval of policies or actions within corporations and other institutions.