Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: UPL
A code is a collection of laws that are organized and put together in one place. It includes all the laws that are in effect, and it can cover a whole legal system or just one area of the law. Codes make it easier for people to understand the rules because they are concise, clear, and thorough. Some states have official codes of all the laws, and the United States Code is a collection of federal law. In other countries, the law is published in the form of a code that covers a specific area of the law.
Definition: In the practice of law, a code is an organized compilation of existing laws. It is a collection of all the laws in force, including the enacted laws and case law, covering a complete legal system or a specific area. A code can make the formulation of legal principles and rules more concise, clear, and thorough, so that people can understand the rules more quickly and comprehensively.
For example, the United States Code (USC) is a compilation of federal law, while the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a collection of commercial law. In civil law countries, a civil code usually covers the complete rules of a particular area, such as civil or criminal law. The law itself is formulated and published in the form of a code.
These examples illustrate how a code can be used to organize and simplify complex legal systems, making it easier for people to understand and follow the rules.