USA

Censure is a formal statement of disapproval that may include a resolution, passed by either the full House or Senate, or by a committee. The censure usually also includes one or more punishments, such as a fine, public humiliation or ouster from office.

The first recorded use of the word “censure” in English occurred in 1393 and meant “to blame.” The Latin root word for “censure” is censere, meaning “to assess.” In the United States, governmental censure was used for the first time in 1798 when members of the House of Representatives voted to censure President John Adams for his signing of the Alien and Sedition Acts. These were laws that made it easier to deport aliens and made it a crime to publish “false, scandalous and malicious writing” against the government or its officials.

Censure is also used in many religions as part of repentance for wrongdoing. In some places, such as the Roman Catholic Church, censuring someone involves adding certain prayers to an individual’s daily worship ritual until he has atoned for his sin and repented with true remorse or regret. After repenting through compulsory acts like these prayer sessions, individuals may be forgiven by their religious leaders and welcomed back into active membership within their faith community.

Continued: Censure is a formal public condemnation of an individual whose actions run counter to acceptable standards for behavior; examples include those who make false statements about members of Congress during a live televised hearing.

USA

The first recorded use of the word “censure” in English occurred in 1393 and meant “to blame.” The Latin root word for “censure” is censere, meaning “to assess.” In the United States, governmental censure was used for the first time in 1798 when members of the House of Representatives voted to censure President John Adams for his signing of the Alien and Sedition Acts. These were laws that made it easier to deport aliens and made it a crime to publish “false, scandalous and malicious writing” against the government or its officials.

What is Censure in Politics?

Censure is a formal reprimand, most often from one’s own government. In politics, censure may be directed at the head of state or government, such as when a motion to censure is brought before parliament.

Censure can also refer to an official rebuke by a legislative body against its members for misconduct. Censuring an individual removes his or her power and privileges until that person has been cleared of charges. A group of people may collectively incur censure if they have violated some social norm or law, but this does not remove their collective power and privilege unless those powers are subject to individual revocation in the constitution.

In general use, “censured” means formally denounced for doing something wrong or immoral; it can also mean criticized severely.