Policy without repeal
A moratorium can change how a law is applied without Congress voting to change or abolish it, shifting major policy through executive discretion.
In plain English
When an official hits pause.
It's a 'pause button' pressed by an executive official. The law stays on the books, but the government stops using it while officials review the policy.
Simple example
In July 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland directed a halt to federal executions pending a Justice Department review of execution protocols and procedures.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Easily reversed
Because it depends on the executive in power, a successor administration can lift the pause and resume the practice, as occurred between recent presidencies.
How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
Executive directive
A cabinet official or president issues a formal order or memorandum instructing agencies to stop carrying out a specific action while a review takes place.
Review and reassessment
Agencies typically use the pause to study procedures, legal questions, or evidence, after which the moratorium can be extended, ended, or replaced with new rules.
Related guide
Should the federal death penalty be abolished?
A look at how the federal death penalty works, its recent history, and the arguments on each side.
Read the guide → Related issue brief
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Should the federal death penalty be abolished?
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