Keith Mack
There are several ways to access your state's laws. You can try searching your state legislature's website, which will often have a search function, or you can look for print materials at your local law library. Websites ending in .
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to find state laws | Visit the website of the state or locality in question, or use the National Conference of State Legislators' searchable database of state legislature websites |
| Online resources | Municode.com, GovInfo, LII, Google Scholar, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Code Congressional and Administrative News (U.S.C.C.A.N.), local law libraries |
| Types of documents | Statutes, session laws, statutory schemes, annotated codes, opinions, decisions, cases, bills, acts, treaties, city and county codes, municipal codes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Online resources for state laws
There are many online resources for accessing state laws in the United States. The United States Code is a consolidation and codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the country. It is prepared by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the United States House of Representatives. The United States Code is a good source to refer to if you want to read a law that is currently in force, i.e., the amended version of the law. GPO govinfo provides the full text of public and private laws from the 104th Congress (1995-1996) to the current Congress. Congress.gov also provides the full text of laws from the 103rd Congress (1993-1994) onwards and summaries from the 93rd Congress to the current Congress.
At the end of each session of Congress, public laws are published in annual volumes called the United States Statutes at Large, which are published by the Government Publishing Office. A more timely resource for finding the text of laws as originally passed by Congress is U.S. Code Congressional and Administrative News (U.S.C.C.A.N.), which is a commercial publication. Like the Statutes at Large, U.S.C.C.A.N. may be available at large public libraries or federal depository libraries. Public laws may be available in large library systems or college libraries, frequently as part of their participation in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Over 1,100 libraries participate in the FDLP, collecting and/or providing public access to government documents. A list of depository libraries is available on the GPO website.
The Supreme Court website includes the full text of certain materials, including many opinions, and also suggests resources for finding briefs. The American Bar Association provides the full text of briefs from many U.S. Supreme Court cases, including those that have not yet been heard. Oyez.com offers audio recordings of selected oral arguments. Federal case law and court documents are often available freely online, particularly for recently decided cases. Check the website of the deciding court for digital copies of their cases. The Caselaw Access Project provides access to U.S. law.
Harvard Library's website also provides a list of free legal research resources for state law in the United States. This includes sources of U.S. legal materials, such as state and federal amicus briefs, the full text of the constitution along with commentary and analysis, and statutes and legislative materials. It also includes government documents such as an annotated constitution, legislation, committee reports, congressional records, and treaty documents. Congress.gov is an excellent source for information on in-progress bills.
Understanding Garnishment in Accident Lawsuits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Local law libraries
In addition to books, law libraries often have printers, allowing users to print out legal information and forms. Many law libraries also have digital resources to assist users with their research, and some provide access to digital materials and services online. For example, California's county law libraries have an online service that lets users chat live with a law librarian.
It is important to note that law librarians typically cannot interpret the law for library users or provide legal advice. However, they can suggest helpful resources and materials.
Treaties and Laws: Who Takes Precedence?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Federal depository libraries
The Depository Library Act of 1962 (DLA) created the present-day FDLP, allowing for two depository libraries in each Congressional district, providing for the distribution of non-GPO documents, and creating regional depository libraries. As of March 2018, there are 46 regional depository libraries, with six states being served by libraries in other states. Each state can have a maximum of two regional libraries, and most states have one. Regional libraries are responsible for retaining copies of all government publications and providing services such as interlibrary loans and reference materials to selective depository libraries.
Selective depository libraries must keep government documents in their collections for a minimum of five years and may only dispose of items with the approval of a regional library. Libraries may not financially benefit from the disposal of depository publications. The Director of the U.S. Government Publishing Office oversees the FDLP and designates certain depository libraries, with their nomination approved by the Joint Committee on Printing.
As of April 2021, there are 1,114 depository libraries in the United States and its territories, providing access to government documents and publications.
Company Policies: Overriding State Laws?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Official government websites
In the United States, official government websites use the "gov" domain, indicating that they belong to an official government organisation. These websites are the best resources for researching federal laws and the law-making process, as well as for requesting copies of government files.
For instance, the U.S. Senate website provides information on how to find laws, acts, or statutes. It suggests checking with the Senate and House Document Rooms for a copy of a slip law. At the end of each session of Congress, public laws are also published in annual volumes called the "United States Statutes at Large", which are released by the Government Publishing Office. The website further recommends "U.S. Code Congressional and Administrative News" (U.S.C.C.A.N.) as a timely commercial publication for accessing the text of laws as originally passed by Congress.
Additionally, congress.gov, the website for the Library of Congress, offers legislative information from the House and Senate. It also provides links to similar websites for U.S. states and territories, facilitating access to state-specific legislative information.
The United States Code, accessible via the House of Representatives website, is another valuable resource. It consolidates and codifies the general and permanent laws of the United States by subject matter. This website ensures that users can access current and accurate legal information.
It is important to note that text, images, and logos on federal websites may be subject to copyright or other restrictions. Therefore, users should familiarise themselves with the rules before utilising materials from government websites.
Health Insurance Quotes: Understanding Your Legal Rights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![California Vehicle Code [2025 Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CwTrmv9pL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Locality-specific laws
For example, in the United States, some cities have laws imposing curfews on minors or requiring helmets for bicyclists, while other cities in the same state do not. Similarly, some states prohibit cities and counties from passing gun control laws, reserving that right for the state. Most penal laws, or criminal offenses, are state laws enforced by police, including municipal police and county sheriff's offices.
Local laws can be found through various resources, including official government websites, which can be identified by their .gov domain and secure HTTPS connection. The Senate and House Document Rooms may also provide copies of slip laws. At the end of each session of Congress, public laws are published in the United States Statutes at Large, available from the Government Publishing Office. Additionally, public laws may be accessible through large library systems or college libraries participating in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP).
It is important to note that the availability of specific local laws may vary depending on the locality and its regulatory authority. Some local governments may have more resources and tools to enact and publish their laws than others. Therefore, it is recommended to consult official local government sources or seek legal advice for specific information on the laws applicable to a particular locality.
Imamate Eligibility: Illegitimate Children in Islamic Law
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can find your state's laws by searching your state legislature's website. You can also try Municode.com, which has collected many city and county codes. You can also find county and municipal codes at your county or city clerk's office, or at a county law library or public library.
If you can't find what you need online, you should be able to find print materials at your local law library.
The Senate and House Document Rooms may be able to provide you with a copy of a slip law.
Free resources for legal research include Google Scholar, which offers access to many legal documents including patents, legal opinions, and journals. Statutes and legislative materials are also increasingly available freely online.
