Sentence examples for empty formalities from inspiring English sources

That means the Senate remains in 'recess' for purposes of the recess appointment power, despite the empty formalities of the individual senators who wield the gavel in pro forma sessions.

However, two constitutional advisers to President George W. Bush argued in 2010 that presidents are allowed to make recess appointments despite pro forma sessions, writing, "[T]he Senate remains in 'recess' for purposes of the recess appointment power, despite the empty formalities of the individual senators who wield the gavel in pro forma sessions".

But Justice David H. Souter objected that such an affiliation was a "pretty empty formality," rather than a constitutional distinction.

Our stand for human freedom is not an empty formality of diplomacy but a founding and guiding principle of this great land.

The right of association would be an empty formality if it protected only the right to join groups that no one could support.

The living man is not really without this privilege — strictly speaking — but as he possesses it merely as an empty formality, and knows better than to make use of it, it cannot be seriously regarded as an actual possession.

Han Dong's work draws on his own – unusually happy – experience of being banished with his family to the countryside during a period when any schooling was an empty formality and he could concentrate on having fun.

We understand respondents' exasperation and recognize that enforcing compliance with §1608(a)(3) may seem like an empty formality in this particular case, which involves highly publicized litigation of which the Government of Sudan may have been aware prior to entry of default judgment.

And with Spurs depleted and in disarray, and White Hart Lane emptying rapidly, Kompany completed the formalities.

The bleak formality of the bullet-riddled, empty arcades was captured only with available light.

"They're younger or empty nesters who aren't worried about formality or resale". This chart shows the top markets for homeowners who plan to remodel, build an addition or build a custom home in the next two years.