Learn the law from the text up

The best way to learn the law is to read it. However, statutes and rules can be hard to follow at first. So each guide here explains a topic in plain English and then points you to the official text.

Start with the practice area that matches your question. For example, civil procedure explains how a lawsuit moves from complaint to judgment. Commercial law covers notes, assignments and the Uniform Commercial Code. Foreclosure guides explain judicial and nonjudicial sales.

Next, follow the links. Each page cites the rule, statute or decision it relies on. You can read federal statutes in the United States Code and federal regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations. For state law, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules.

Finally, remember that learning the law is different from getting advice. For your own situation, talk to a licensed attorney.

Every guide shows when we last checked its sources. In addition, a guide that is due for review says so at the top, so you always know how current it is.