Statutes
42 USC Section 1983
Overview of Section 1983 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 is the primary federal statute allowing individuals to sue state and local government officials for violations of federal constitutional or statutory …
Administrative Procedure Act
Overview of the Administrative Procedure Act The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) , enacted in 1946, is the federal statute governing the procedures by which federal agencies propose and establish …
Affordable Care Act
Introduction The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) , enacted in 2010, is the most comprehensive healthcare reform legislation since Medicare and Medicaid. The ACA aimed to increase …
Americans with Disabilities Act
Introduction The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, codified at 42 USC §§ 12101-12213, is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. …
Bankruptcy Code
Introduction The Bankruptcy Code, codified at Title 11 of the United States Code, governs bankruptcy proceedings in federal courts. The Code provides for the reorganization or liquidation of …
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Overview of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the most comprehensive federal civil rights legislation in American history. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on …
Clean Air Act
Introduction The Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. Chapter 85, is the primary federal law regulating air pollution in the United States. Enacted in 1963 and substantially amended in 1970 and …
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
Introduction The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is the primary federal law governing employer-sponsored retirement plans, health plans, and other employee benefit plans in the …
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
Introduction The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978, codified at 50 USC §§ 1801-1885c, establishes the legal framework for electronic surveillance and physical searches for foreign …
Immigration and Nationality Act
Introduction The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified at 8 U.S.C., is the primary body of federal immigration law in the United States. The INA governs the admission, stay, and removal of …
Internal Revenue Code
Introduction The Internal Revenue Code (IRC), codified in Title 26 of the United States Code, is the primary body of federal tax law in the United States. Administered by the Internal Revenue Service …
Lanham Act (Trademark Law)
Introduction The Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. Chapter 22) is the primary federal law governing trademarks in the United States. The Act provides for the registration, protection, and enforcement of …
National Environmental Policy Act
Introduction The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), enacted in 1970, is a foundational environmental law that requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of their proposed …
Occupational Safety and Health Act
Introduction The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) establishes workplace safety and health standards in the United States. The Act created the Occupational Safety and Health …
RICO
Introduction The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) , enacted as Title IX of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and codified at 18 USC §§ 1961-1968, is a federal statute …
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Introduction The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regulates securities markets and securities transactions in the United States. The Act established the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to …
Sherman Antitrust Act
Overview of the Sherman Antitrust Act The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 is the foundational federal antitrust statute in the United States. Enacted in response to growing public concern over the …
Social Security Act
Introduction The Social Security Act of 1935 established the social insurance system in the United States, including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and the Supplemental Security …
Uniform Commercial Code
Overview of the Uniform Commercial Code The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a comprehensive set of laws governing commercial transactions in the United States. First published in 1952, the UCC was …
Voting Rights Act
Introduction The Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965, codified at 52 USC §§ 10301-10702, is the most important federal statute protecting the right to vote. The VRA prohibits racial discrimination in …