Federal Register

What federal register means

Put simply, federal register is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.

Where federal register comes up

The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.

Read the source: Code of Federal Regulations.

How to research the term

To research federal register, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the current federal court rules online for free.

Related legal terms

• Expressio unius est exclusio alterius: latin for "the expression of one thing is the exclusion of another." The canon that "expressing one item of [an] associated group or series excludes another left unmentioned" (Chevron U.S.A.
• Fair Credit Reporting Act: a federal law, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 and following, that governs credit reports. It requires consumer reporting agencies to investigate disputes and to delete or correct information that is inaccurate, incomplete or cannot be verified (§ 1681i).
• Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: a federal law, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 and following, that limits how debt collectors may collect consumer debts. It bans harassment and false or misleading statements, and § 1692g gives consumers the right to dispute a debt and get verification.
• Federal Constitution: the Constitution of the United States, which established the federal government, divided power among Congress, the President and the federal courts, and protects individual rights through its text and amendments.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.