Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve: The central bank of the United States, created by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. It has a Board of Governors in Washington, a federal agency whose members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks, whose stock is held by member banks. It conducts monetary policy, supervises banks and issues Federal Reserve notes, which are "obligations of the United States" (12 U.S.C. § 411).
What federal reserve means
Put simply, federal reserve 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 reserve 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: Federal Reserve note.
How to research the term
To research federal reserve, 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
- 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.
- Federal Register: the daily official publication of the federal government for agency rules, proposed rules and notices, and presidential documents, published under the Federal Register Act (44 U.S.C. ch. 15). Courts must take judicial notice of its contents (44 U.S.C. § 1507).
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.