Welcome to the Finding Statutes, Constitutions, & Codes Libguide!
No meaningful legal research project would be complete without an exploration of the applicable and relevant statutes, constitutions, and codes. Before you can analyze the statutory materials relevant to your research project, you have to know how to find them. This LibGuide will introduce you to resources that may guide you in the finding the statutes, constitutions, and codes you need to effectively conduct legal research. These resources will assist you to:
What is a Statute?
A statute is a primary source of law. Statutes command that something be undertaken, prohibit something from being done, or declare what the law is. Statutes are also known as laws or legislation - bills that have been passed into being and effect by a legislature.
Remember there are both federal statutes and state statutes. Each are controlling in different ways and may only be persuasive depending on your jurisdiction. It is important to always make sure you are researching the correct statutes for your jurisdiction.
How to find a Statute
Here's some things to try when you looking for the law on a particular topic or issue:
Have a Question? Need Help?
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