Laws & Regulations – Federal & State
Understanding U.S. Laws & Regulations
The United States legal system is composed of federal and state laws that govern everything from criminal justice and business practices to healthcare and civil rights.
- Federal laws apply nationwide and are passed by Congress, enforced by federal agencies, and interpreted by federal courts.
- State laws are created by individual state legislatures and apply only within that state’s jurisdiction.
Below, you will find a comprehensive guide to federal laws, followed by state-specific legal information.
Federal Laws & Regulations
Browse Federal Laws by Category
1. Constitution & Foundational Laws
- U.S. Constitution – The supreme law of the land outlining government structure and citizens’ rights.
- Bill of Rights – The first 10 amendments that guarantee fundamental freedoms.
- U.S. Code (Official Federal Laws) – Browse all permanent federal statutes by topic.
2. Criminal Law & Justice
- Title 18 – Federal Criminal Code – Covers federal crimes, penalties, and procedures.
- Federal Sentencing Guidelines – Rules governing sentencing for federal offenses.
- FBI & DOJ Laws – Laws related to federal investigations and prosecutions.
3. Civil Rights & Employment Law
- Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Protects against discrimination based on race, sex, and religion.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Federal protections for individuals with disabilities.
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Minimum wage, overtime, and labor laws.
4. Business, Consumer Protection & Commerce
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Laws – Laws regulating advertising, fraud, and business competition.
- Consumer Protection Laws (CFPB) – Protects consumers in financial transactions.
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rules – Stock trading and securities regulations.
5. Family Law & Immigration
- Title 8 – Immigration & Nationality Act – U.S. immigration policies.
- U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) – Official immigration laws.
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – Protections for domestic violence survivors.
6. Torts (Personal Injury, Liability & Negligence)
- Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) – Allows lawsuits against the federal government.
- Product Liability Laws – Consumer safety regulations.
- Medical Malpractice Laws – Laws governing medical negligence.
7. Financial, Tax & Banking Laws
- Title 26 – Internal Revenue Code (IRC) – U.S. tax laws.
- Bankruptcy Code – Federal bankruptcy laws.
8. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) – U.S. healthcare regulations.
- FDA Drug Laws – Federal drug safety laws.
9. Environmental & Energy Laws
- EPA Environmental Laws – Regulations on pollution and climate policy.
10. Military & National Security Laws
- Title 10 – U.S. Armed Forces Code – Governs military structure and duties.
11. Education & Student Loan Laws
- Title 20 – Education Laws – U.S. education policies and financial aid laws.
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State Laws & Regulations
Understanding State Laws
Each U.S. state has its own set of laws, separate from federal laws, governing civil, criminal, business, family, and consumer rights matters within state boundaries. State laws are created by state legislatures, signed into law by governors, and enforced by state courts and agencies.
While some federal laws apply across all states, individual states may have their own rules on issues such as criminal sentencing, marriage and divorce, gun laws, real estate, and taxation. Below, you will find state-specific laws organized by category, with direct links to official state law resources where you can find legal statutes, codes, and court rulings.
Types of State Laws
1. State Constitutions & Legislative Codes
Every state has a Constitution that outlines government structure and fundamental rights. State legislatures also maintain statutory codes detailing all permanent state laws.
- Find Your State’s Laws & Codes – A directory of state legislative websites.
- State Government Websites – Official portals for all U.S. states and territories.
2. State Criminal Laws & Sentencing Guidelines
Criminal offenses such as theft, drug charges, assault, and DUIs are governed by state statutes. Some states have three-strikes laws, death penalty policies, or special sentencing guidelines.
- State Criminal Codes – A list of state criminal laws.
- State Sentencing Commissions – Overview of sentencing laws by state.
3. State Personal Injury & Liability Laws
Each state sets laws on car accidents, premises liability, product defects, and medical malpractice. Statutes of limitations and damages caps differ across states.
- State Personal Injury Laws – States have their own Personal Injury laws, including Florida, New York and New Jersey.
- Statutes of Limitations by State – States have their own Statute of Limitations for personal injury and many other practice area, including Florida, New York and New Jersey.
4. State Insurance Laws
Each state regulates auto insurance, health insurance, workers’ compensation, and homeowner’s insurance separately.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) – State insurance regulatory offices.
- State Workers’ Compensation Laws – Workers’ compensation agencies by state.
5. State Divorce, Child Custody & Family Laws
Divorce laws, child support guidelines, and alimony rules vary significantly from state to state.
- State Family Law Resources – A guide to family laws in each state.
- Find Child Support Guidelines – Child support enforcement offices by state.
6. State Landlord-Tenant & Real Estate Laws
States regulate rental agreements, evictions, property sales, and zoning laws differently.
- State Landlord-Tenant Laws – States have their own Landlord-Tenant laws, including Florida, New York and New Jersey.
- State Real Estate Laws – Government resources on property transactions.
7. State Gun Laws & Firearms Regulations
Gun laws—including permit requirements, background checks, and concealed carry rules—are primarily set by individual states.
- State Firearms Laws – ATF directory of state gun laws.
8. State Tax Laws & Regulations
States regulate income tax, sales tax, and business tax rates independently. Some states do not impose income tax, while others have progressive tax structures.
- State Tax Rates & Agencies – Official state tax authority links.
- State Business Tax Laws – IRS resources on state business taxation.
9. State Probate, Wills & Estate Laws
Estate planning laws differ, including probate rules, intestacy laws, and inheritance taxes.
- State Probate Laws – States have their own Landlord-Tenant laws, including Florida, New York and New Jersey.
- Find State Estate & Inheritance Tax Laws
10. State Environmental & Energy Laws
States set laws for renewable energy, emissions, and pollution control.
- State Environmental Laws – State environmental policy database.
- State Energy Regulations – State energy codes and policies.
11. State Education Laws & Student Rights
States regulate public education funding, school policies, and student rights differently.
- State Education Laws – Department of Education policies by state.
- State Student Loan & Financial Aid Laws
Find a Lawyer Near Me
Navigating the complexities of state and federal laws can be overwhelming, whether you’re dealing with a personal injury case, criminal charges, business dispute, or family legal matter. Having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference. That’s where TopLawyersNow.com comes in.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – State & Federal Laws
Federal laws apply nationwide and are passed by Congress, while state laws are created by individual state legislatures and apply only within that state’s borders. Some legal matters, like immigration and bankruptcy, fall under federal law, while others, like family law and real estate, are primarily governed by state laws.
Each state publishes its statutes and regulations on official government websites. We’ve compiled direct links to every state’s laws and legislative websites so you can access criminal laws, business regulations, landlord-tenant laws, and more. Visit the State Laws & Regulations section to find your state’s legal resources.
Not usually. If a state law conflicts with federal law, federal law typically prevails due to the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, states can expand rights beyond federal protections (e.g., stronger consumer protections, higher minimum wages, or additional civil rights laws).
Criminal laws, including penalties for DUIs, theft, drug offenses, and violent crimes, vary by state. Visit our State Criminal Laws section for official resources on your state’s statutes, sentencing guidelines, and criminal procedures.
If you’re facing a serious legal issue, such as a lawsuit, criminal charge, injury claim, business dispute, or family legal matter, speaking with a lawyer can protect your rights and help you navigate complex laws. Our directory can help you find experienced attorneys in your area for a consultation.
Use our lawyer directory to search for attorneys by practice area and location. Whether you need a personal injury lawyer, criminal defense attorney, family lawyer, or business law attorney, we make it easy to connect with top-rated legal professionals.
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Our directory provides detailed attorney profiles, including education, years of experience, practice areas, and client reviews. We also recommend checking your state’s bar association website to verify an attorney’s license and disciplinary history.
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