preamble
[Middle French
preambule, from Medieval Latin
preambulum, from Late Latin, neuter of
preambulus walking in front of, from Latin
prae- +
ambulare to walk]
: an introductory statement (as to a contract)
;esp : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law
NOTE: While preambles do not state law and therefore are not judicially enforceable, they are used to determine legislative intent when interpreting statutes.